coherence
noun
co·her·ence
kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s 
-ˈher-
-ˈher-
1
: the quality or state of cohering: such as
a
: systematic or logical connection or consistency
The essay as a whole lacks coherence.
b
: integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values
"The various parts of this house—discrete in color, in shape, in placement—join together with remarkable coherence."—
Paul Goldberger
Paul Goldberger2
: the property of being coherent
a plan that lacks coherence
Examples of coherence in a Sentence
the house has been expanded and remodeled so many times that now it's a jumbled mess that lacks coherence
Recent Examples on the Web
During periods of significant disruption, like those associated with recent political upheavals, organizations are particularly susceptible to groupthink, driven by anxiety, uncertainty, and a desire for coherence.
—Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
While Zegler earns accolades for her performance, critics largely agree that the film lacks the magic, necessity, and coherence to stand alongside the original.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
The technique is called optical coherence tomography (OCT), which involves creating a 3D image of tissue using light waves.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2025
Yet the likes of Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Pete Hegseth do not suggest ideological extremism—or even ideological coherence—so much as a mercurial perception of personal loyalty, along with a vague preference for celebrities who look good on TV.
—Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coherence
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Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
While Zegler earns accolades for her performance, critics largely agree that the film lacks the magic, necessity, and coherence to stand alongside the original.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
The technique is called optical coherence tomography (OCT), which involves creating a 3D image of tissue using light waves.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2025
Yet the likes of Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Pete Hegseth do not suggest ideological extremism—or even ideological coherence—so much as a mercurial perception of personal loyalty, along with a vague preference for celebrities who look good on TV.
—Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coherence
Cite this Entry
“Coherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coherence. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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