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
By contrast to hierarchies of authority, networks of competence place subjective concerns like culture, mindsets, values, and narratives as the primary drivers of everything that happens in the organization to ensure the coherence and direction of the organization’s activities.
—Steve Denning, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
At a time where people have complex multifaceted identities that may be in tension, this coherence could be particularly valuable, says Tang.
—Tharin Pillay, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025
But thematic coherence remains frustratingly elusive.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
This method analyzes the semantic coherence between sentences and paragraphs to create more meaningful chunks.
—Meghana Puvvadi, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coherence
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.
Steve Denning, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
At a time where people have complex multifaceted identities that may be in tension, this coherence could be particularly valuable, says Tang.
—Tharin Pillay, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025
But thematic coherence remains frustratingly elusive.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
This method analyzes the semantic coherence between sentences and paragraphs to create more meaningful chunks.
—Meghana Puvvadi, Forbes, 25 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 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share