adherence

noun

ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce adherence (audio)
əd-
Synonyms of adherence
1
: the act, action, or quality of adhering
adherence of paint to wood
2
: steady or faithful attachment : fidelity
adherence to a political party

Synonyms of adherence

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Examples of adherence in a Sentence

you'd think these refrigerator magnets would have better adherence—they fall off every time I open the door adherence to convention requires that the couple send out formal wedding invitations
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.
Another key to success is conditioning American security assistance on a partner’s adherence to the laws of armed conflict. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026 Maybe, come October, the Brewers will regret their adherence to discipline. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Because editors generally operate under pseudonyms, an argument succeeds not on the strength of someone’s credentials or professional status but on its evidence and adherence to Wikipedia’s policies. — Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Higher adherence to these diets is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adherence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French adherance, aerdaunce, aherdance "act of adhering, faction, supporters," borrowed from Medieval Latin adhaerentia, going back to Late Latin, "act of adhering," derivative of Latin adhaerent-, adhaerens, present participle of adhaerēre "to adhere"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adherence was in the 15th century

Rhymes for adherence

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Browse Nearby Words

adhere
adherence
adherency
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Cite this Entry

“Adherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adherence. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adherence

noun
ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce adherence (audio)
əd-
1
: the action or quality of adhering
2
: steady or faithful attachment
adherence to the truth

More from Merriam-Webster on adherence

Nglish: Translation of adherence for Spanish Speakers

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