adherence

noun

ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s 

əd-

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

• adhesion
• bonding
• cling

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

Veo 2 appears to be winning the battle for prompt adherence—the ability to faithfully translate textual descriptions into corresponding visuals. —Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

This lack of adherence to existing legislation highlights the inefficiencies within Maryland’s licensing system. —Charles E. Sydnor, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2025

This move follows discussions surrounding adherence to rules by the likes of Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota, NASCAR's three OEMs. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

The second location, while staffed with equally capable individuals, lacked the same level of adherence to procedures—potentially due to a more relaxed culture or differing leadership styles. —Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for adherence

• appearance
• coherence
• preclearance
• clearance
• disappearance
• incoherence
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

adherence

noun

ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s 

əd-

1

: the action or quality of adhering

2

: steady or faithful attachment

adherence to the truth