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incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce incoherence (audio) -ˈher- How to pronounce incoherence (audio)
Synonyms of incoherencenext
1
: the quality or state of being incoherent
2
: something that is incoherent

Examples of incoherence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a suffocating debt and pension load, and another looming budget deficit, Chicago cannot afford incoherence on this important fiscal and social issue. — Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 His work thrives on the incoherence of his own restless curiosity. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 The second season continued this confusion with a time-travel story often bordering on incoherence. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 The root of this dysfunction goes back to Greenspan and his studied incoherence. — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incoherence

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incoherence was in 1611

Rhymes for incoherence

See All Rhymes for incoherence

Browse Nearby Words

incognoscible
incoherence
incoherent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incoherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incoherence. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incoherence

noun
in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce incoherence (audio)
-ˈher-
1
: the quality or state of being incoherent
2
: something that is incoherent

Medical Definition

incoherence

noun
in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce incoherence (audio) -ˈher- How to pronounce incoherence (audio)
: the quality or state of being incoherent

More from Merriam-Webster on incoherence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incoherence

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