adherence

noun

ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce adherence (audio)
Definition of adherencenext
1
as in adhesion
a physical sticking to as if by glue you'd think these refrigerator magnets would have better adherence—they fall off every time I open the door

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compliance
the following of a custom, rule, or law adherence to convention requires that the couple send out formal wedding invitations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of adherence Building toward that requires connecting physical environment signals to downstream prescription and adherence data. — Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 But parties tend to resist arrangements designed by others, and when they are pressured into accepting them, their adherence lasts only as long as the pressure is sustained. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 In that trial, adherence was slightly lower, and one participant acquired HIV. — Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026 Enjoyment matters here, because experts stress adherence over finding a perfect workout. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adherence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherence
  1. adhesion
  2. compliance
  3. cling
  4. conformity
  5. conformance
  6. observation
  7. observance
Noun
  • The team said that PDA was inspired by the chemistry behind mussel adhesion.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike the inner lining of the uterus, endometriosis tissue doesn’t leave the body during menstruation, and cysts and adhesions can sometimes develop.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of adhesion
Noun
  • The state agency oversees the facility’s air and water quality permits and compliance with environmental waste laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Taxpayers may qualify for relief due to a good compliance history, reasonable cause, or a statutory exception.
    — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • Stained glass window clings are one of the clearest examples.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Cook pasta, tossing constantly with tongs, until sauce clings to each noodle and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 1 minute.
    — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of cling
Noun
  • Anyone could guess going into this album that Erykah’s sticking points are groupthink, conformity, and phone obsession.
    — Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Jones made rejection her trademark, rebelling against conformity and embracing an image and music that pushed boundaries and refused labels.
    — Lisa Whittington-Hill, Longreads, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of conformity
Noun
  • Explain how the agent takes in tasks and context and how the output is measured against definable tolerances (targets, conformances and limits).
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That said, the final plat is in substantial conformance with the previous proposals, Latinovic said.
    — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Definition of conformance
Noun
  • Official homeless counts show RV numbers plunging in this 400-square-mile expanse, but wild statistical swings and locals’ on-the-ground observations suggest serious miscounts and an illusory improvement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Since its establishment in 2025, the border task force has conducted tens of thousands of detection and monitoring patrols and thousands of observation flights, the task force said.
    — Mike Stone, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of observation
Noun
  • The school and church asked for privacy on Remembrance Day; observances on campus will not open to the public.
    — Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Another prominent change to the global observance of dates came in 1867 when Alaska was purchased as a US territory.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of observance

Browse Nearby Words

adhered (to)
adherence
adherences
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Cite this Entry

“Adherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherence. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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