consistency
Americannoun
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a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc..
The liquid has the consistency of cream.
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steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc..
There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.
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agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing.
consistency of colors throughout the house.
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the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.
noun
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agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated
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agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibility
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degree of viscosity or firmness
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the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape
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conformity with previous attitudes, behaviour, practice, etc
Etymology
Origin of consistency
First recorded in 1585–95; consist(ent) + -ency
Explanation
Foods like puddings and gravies need to be the correct consistency — that is, the right thickness or texture — for the dish. It would not be good, for example, for gravy to have the consistency of cottage cheese. The noun consistency also refers to uniformity or compatibility between things or parts. For example, you might need to check the consistency of spelling in a document or the consistency among eye-witness accounts of a crime. Consistency usually implies a positive sense of dependability. If you show consistency at the work place, your manager can depend on you.
Vocabulary lists containing consistency
Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791)
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Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird
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Journalism
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Sometimes it’s liquid & sometimes it has a jelly-like consistency, save it and freeze it and put it into the stock you make with the bones. It will give the broth a nice richness.”
From Salon • May 30, 2026
But while this result is unexpected - and a huge opportunity missed for Sinner to complete the career Grand Slam - perhaps of greater concern for the Italian is his consistency over five sets.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
He has, from what you have said, shown little consistency in his behavior.
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
According to the researchers, these AI systems now make it possible to process enormous amounts of online discussion much faster and with more consistency.
From Science Daily • May 24, 2026
There wasn’t much consistency in the life of an orphan—new housemates coming and going like waves on a shore—but Adoption Day parties were always the same.
From "A Tangle of Knots" by Lisa Graff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
