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Definition of cohesive

cohesive

/koʊˈhiːsɪv/
co · he · sive
Adverb:cohesively
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cohesive Lexical Profile

cohesive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Forming a united, well-integrated whole; working or fitting together effectively.

Example

"The director transformed a group of individual musicians into a cohesive orchestra."

2

Characterized by or causing the physical sticking together of particles of the same substance.

Example

"Wet clay is a highly cohesive soil that holds its shape when molded."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for cohesive

Word Nuance & Usage

Often compared with 'coherent': 'cohesive' emphasizes how well parts stick together as a unified whole (such as a cohesive team), whereas 'coherent' emphasizes logical clarity and intelligibility (such as a coherent argument).

• Rhymes for cohesive

• Nearby Words

coherent
coherently
cohesion
cohesive
cohesively
cohesiveness
coho

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 18th century from the Latin past participle stem 'cohaes-', from 'cohaerere' meaning 'to cleave or stick together' (from 'co-' meaning 'together' and 'haerere' meaning 'to stick').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cohesive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cohesive
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