consilience

noun

con·​sil·​ience kən-ˈsil-yən(t)s How to pronounce consilience (audio)
: the linking together of principles from different disciplines especially when forming a comprehensive theory

Examples of consilience in a Sentence

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.
If consilience entails convergence toward a consensus, science is moving away from consilience. — John Horgan, Scientific American, 25 June 2021 In the context of family offices, consilience is certainly relevant. — Francois Botha, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 Just like the weaknesses of scientific consensus, there are similar weaknesses associated with consilience. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

com- + resilience

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of consilience was in 1840

Rhymes for consilience

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Browse Nearby Words

consignor
consilience
consimilar
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Cite this Entry

“Consilience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consilience. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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