adjective
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characterized by or causing cohesion
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tending to cohere or stick together
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cohesive
First recorded in 1720–30; cohes(ion) + -ive
Explanation
When the parts of the whole work or fit together well, they are cohesive, like a cohesive family whose members pitch in with everything from making dinner to painting the house. The adjective cohesive comes from the Latin word cohaerere, or “to cleave together.” Cohesive things stick together, so they are unified. A cohesive neighborhood's members get together to plan things like block parties, and they work together to solve problems. A cohesive fitness plan would include menus and exercise routines designed to lose weight, build muscle, and so on.
Vocabulary lists containing cohesive
Keystone Exams: English Composition Glossary
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Florida EOC Biology 1
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Content Summary G.2: Regionalization
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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.
But, the five firms struggled to form a cohesive strategy at EverBank, leading to tension between the owners and inside the boardroom, the people familiar with the matter said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
“We need to implement a more cohesive brand identity, dialing up the iconic deluxe purple.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
Released the previous year, “Rubber Soul” set things into motion — arguably rock’s first cohesive LP.
From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026
While Ireland improved in the second half, head coach Andy Farrell will rue an error-riddled opening 40 minutes which left his side chasing a slick and cohesive All Blacks unit.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026
Scott Fischer’s team was a congenial and cohesive group; most of Pittman’s teammates took her idiosyncrasies in stride and seemed to have little trouble accepting her into their midst.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
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.
