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

The new monitor’s report, made public Friday, heaped praise on the department’s consent decree adherence between July 1 – Dec. 31, 2024. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025

Just as political leaders are incentivized to prioritize performance over governance, business leaders must be wary of systems that reward visibility, short-term wins, or rigid adherence to outdated strategies. —Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

UPenn's Response to the Transgender Athlete Controversy UPenn has defended its policies, citing adherence to previous NCAA guidelines. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

In a world where fashion increasingly serves as a personal expression rather than rigid trend adherence, hats offer a powerful tool for individual style statements. —Essence, 18 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