consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
a
: agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : correspondence
The furnishings and decorations in all the rooms reflect a consistency of style.
specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction
b
: harmony of conduct or practice with profession
followed her own advice with consistency
2
: degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles
Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.
3
a
: firmness of constitution or character : persistency
… the rigid consistency with which he had adhered to its principles …Nathaniel Hawthorne
b
archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance

Examples of consistency in a Sentence

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency. Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive. Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance. The paints vary in consistency.
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.
That wrist‑first interaction model mirrors the neural-band approach Meta just showcased for the Ray‑Ban Display, suggesting strategic consistency between near‑term products and pipeline devices. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025 And from there, the key is consistency. Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Unlike liquid electrolytes that tolerate imperfections, solid-state systems demand near-perfect consistency across massive production volumes. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025 This requires consistency, even when the work feels unfinished. Essence, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consistency

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of consistency was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“Consistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistency. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

consistency

noun
con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsis-tən-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
: the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness
dough of the right consistency
2
: agreement or harmony between parts or elements
3
: a sticking with one way of thinking or acting

More from Merriam-Webster on consistency

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