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Synonyms

coherent

American  
[koh-heer-uhnt, -her-] / koʊˈhɪər ənt, -ˈhɛr- /

adjective

  1. logically connected; consistent.

    a coherent argument.

  2. having a natural or due agreement of parts; harmonious.

    a coherent design.

  3. cohering; sticking together.

    a coherent mass of sticky candies.

  4. Physics, Optics. of or relating to waves that maintain a fixed phase relationship, as in coherent light, or light in which the electromagnetic waves maintain a fixed and predictable phase relationship with each other over a period of time.


coherent British  
/ kəʊˈhɪərənt /

adjective

  1. capable of logical and consistent speech, thought, etc

  2. logical; consistent and orderly

  3. cohering or sticking together

  4. physics (of two or more waves) having the same phase or a fixed phase difference

    coherent light

  5. (of a system of units) consisting only of units the quotient or product of any two of which yield the unit of the resultant quantity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • coherently adverb
  • noncoherent adjective

Etymology

Origin of coherent

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin cohērent-, variant of Latin cohaerent- (stem of cohaerēns ), present participle of cohaerēre; cohere, -ent

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.

Benjamin and other critics argue that this is not a coherent basis for the change because these countries have significantly smaller populations, different health care systems and regionally-specific public health concerns.

From Salon

"To have a technological shift like this, you need consistent, coherent and compelling messaging and support… Even the announcement of a tax specifically on EVs will send a very conflicting message to consumers."

From BBC

By episode 2, it congeals into something like a coherent picture.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unlike Hassett or Warsh, Waller has arrived at his position in favor of lower rates without attacking Powell, and with economic arguments that have remained relatively consistent and coherent.

From The Wall Street Journal

One example is the ability to charge a so-called quantum battery, which requires coherent light that can collectively push atoms into an excited state.

From Science Daily