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

In contrast, law students showed much less influence from sympathy and stronger adherence to precedent. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

So, unlike the more structured approach of the DASH diet, the Mediterranean eating plan is more flexible and enjoyable for long-term adherence. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 2025

These findings suggest that incorporating pecans into the diet may support better heart health and improve dietary adherence. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025

Beyond the financial incentives, personal ties to leading figures and adherence to differing philosophies about artificial intelligence have lent a tribal element to Silicon Valley’s latest talent wars. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 Mar. 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