Master confusing words with ease
Adhere vs. Cohere
Adhere
/ədˈhɪə/Examples:
The policy should adhere to environmental standards.She adhered to her daily routine despite the challenges.Any adhesive must adhere well to both surfaces.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Cohere
Examples:
The ingredients cohere to form a smooth batter.Their values cohere around a shared mission.The argument doesn't cohere as well as it should.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Remember that adhere begins with ad-, like addition, and implies something sticking to something else as a new element.
- Cohere starts with co-, similar to cooperate, suggesting a more mutual or internal bonding between parts.
- Use adhere when thinking about sticking to rules or physical objects like glue, as it involves an external agent.
- Use cohere when discussing concepts or arguments that naturally stick together or hold together without added attachment.
- Adhere usually involves an element joining another, while cohere describes elements naturally fitting together as a unit.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd