adhering

American  

[ad-heer-ing] / ædˈhɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. attaching or staying attached; sticking, or causing something to stick, to something else.

   She worked away with a steel scraper to loosen the adhering carpet where it had been glued to the floor.

2. devoted in allegiance; attached as a follower, supporter, or member.

   Under the OECD Council decision on multinational enterprises, each adhering country must set up a National Contact Point for dispute resolution.

3. holding firmly or closely to something (often used in combination).

   Respond to all employee complaints promptly and in a professional, confidential, policy-adhering manner.

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noun

1. the act or fact of sticking, clinging, or holding closely or firmly to something.

   We can't just call for an adhering to due process—we need to actually ensure that due process happens.

2. Chemistry, Physics. (of two or more dissimilar substances) the fact of being united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact.

   The adhering of the molecules of a gas on the surface of a solid is called adsorption.

3. the fact of being devoted or attached to a person or thing as a follower, member, or supporter.

   Under the law, cruising in an enemy ship intending to capture or destroy American ships is an adhering to the enemies of the United States.

Other Word Forms

• nonadhering adjective
• unadhering adjective

Etymology

Origin of adhering

First recorded in 1545–55; adher(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; adher(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

Thompson’s Benedict, whom “Bridgerton” viewers have come to know as the artistic, pansexual second-oldest son of the Bridgerton clan, has long shown disinterest in settling down or adhering to societal norms.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

It requires setting up a plan document, just the way a company does, and adhering to the rules of that plan.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

"Being French is adhering to some values and lifestyles, believing in equality between men and women," he argued.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

“We are adhering to the procedure and timeline established by the European Commission, and trust they will bring this proceeding to a quick and fair close,” SAP said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

A lot of Muslim women find it difficult to lead an active lifestyle while adhering to their religious principles around modesty, with most gyms being coed and workout wear being formfitting.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• biased
• one-sided
• sectarian
• sympathetic
• unjust