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
These days, the coherence between a brand’s fashion and beauty can reverberate through products and campaigns.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The organizational structure itself projected coherence — for instance, title tags indicated location, and categories showed relationships.
—Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
The alternative is coherence—an operating model where independent actors, human and digital, can act intelligently without constant escalation because the destination and constraints are clear, and information moves quickly enough for local decision-making to be good enough.
—Amy Eliza Wong, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Responsiveness requires historical literacy, strategic coherence, clarity of purpose, and a public that understands the stakes.
—Carol L. Harris, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coherence
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Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The organizational structure itself projected coherence — for instance, title tags indicated location, and categories showed relationships.
—Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
The alternative is coherence—an operating model where independent actors, human and digital, can act intelligently without constant escalation because the destination and constraints are clear, and information moves quickly enough for local decision-making to be good enough.
—Amy Eliza Wong, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Responsiveness requires historical literacy, strategic coherence, clarity of purpose, and a public that understands the stakes.
—Carol L. Harris, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coherence
Cite this Entry
“Coherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coherence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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