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
Remaining founder-led allowed the team to prioritize coherence over speed as new opportunities emerged.
—Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The societies that can advance to the frontiers of the productive power that capitalism unleashes while maintaining their coherence and élan advance to the front of the race for international status and power.
—Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
In his new role, Vannetti will oversee brand strategy, marketing, communication and positioning across the Egnazia portfolio, supporting each property’s identity while ensuring coherence at group level, starting from Borgo Egnazia and the group’s expanding hospitality platform.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
Matching this test with electrons would require maintaining quantum coherence for 100 million years.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coherence
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Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The societies that can advance to the frontiers of the productive power that capitalism unleashes while maintaining their coherence and élan advance to the front of the race for international status and power.
—Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
In his new role, Vannetti will oversee brand strategy, marketing, communication and positioning across the Egnazia portfolio, supporting each property’s identity while ensuring coherence at group level, starting from Borgo Egnazia and the group’s expanding hospitality platform.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
Matching this test with electrons would require maintaining quantum coherence for 100 million years.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 2026.
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