consistent
Americanadjective
-
agreeing or accordant; compatible; not self-contradictory.
His views and actions are consistent.
- Synonyms:
- conformable, harmonious, consonant, congruous
-
constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc..
a consistent opponent.
-
holding firmly together; cohering.
-
Archaic. fixed; firm.
adjective
-
showing consistency; not self-contradictory
-
in agreement or harmony; accordant
-
steady; even
consistent growth
-
maths (of two or more equations) satisfied by at least one common set of values of the variables
x + y = 4 and x – y = 2 are consistent
-
logic
-
(of a set of statements) capable of all being true at the same time or under the same interpretation
-
Also: sound. (of a formal system) not permitting the deduction of a contradiction from the axioms Compare complete
-
-
obsolete stuck together; cohering
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of consistent
First recorded in 1565–75, consistent is from the Latin word consistent- (stem of consistēns, present participle of consistere ); see consist, -ent
Explanation
If you get the same Donkey Kong score every time you play, you're consistent. It's consistent with video-game addiction, however, that you will continue to play in the hopes of beating that score. Consistent is related to the word consist, which refers to what something is made of—"bread dough consists of flour, water, and salt." Consistency describes texture—a consistent consistency would be brownies as rock-hard in the center as they are at the edge––hopefully, next time you bake you'll get inconsistent results.
Vocabulary lists containing consistent
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Language of Standardized Tests, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"Consistent exposure to such high temperatures can cause major health issues," says Nibedita, adding that sometimes, moving just a few feet can help.
From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026
Consistent, measured position sizes ensure that a bad stretch does not wipe you out.
From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026
Consistent investment and alternative strategies reflect necessary change after decades of ineffective approaches.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026
Consistent exercise improved gut bacteria, boosted antioxidant defenses, and reversed age-related changes in T cells by stabilizing DNA and adjusting epigenetic marks such as reducing ETS1 expression.
From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2025
Consistent in his belief in sound money, tariff revision, and law and order, he had been forced by events to alienate the West, the East, and organized labor.
From The New Nation by Dodd, William E.
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.
