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.
Kyiv has also ended its brief adherence to the energy ceasefire Trump declared unilaterally earlier this month. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 The more meaningful questions are whether RPM caught deterioration earlier, improved medication adherence or let clinicians intervene before a patient worsened. — Ayush Jain, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The humidity-resistant, child-resistant container can be composted or recycled, reducing plastic use by up to 71%; pharmacies can also brand the tube or print adherence instructions directly on it. — Lauryn Higgins, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 The honest read of the current evidence is less about one universally best hour than about matching the window to the outcome, whether that’s adherence, heart health, muscle or sleep. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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