consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
a
: agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : correspondence
The furnishings and decorations in all the rooms reflect a consistency of style.
specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction
b
: harmony of conduct or practice with profession
followed her own advice with consistency
2
: degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles
Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.
3
a
: firmness of constitution or character : persistency
… the rigid consistency with which he had adhered to its principles …Nathaniel Hawthorne
b
archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance

Examples of consistency in a Sentence

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency. Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive. Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance. The paints vary in consistency.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Regardless of the habitat type or geographical layout, bucks almost always bed with certain consistencies. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2024 In brand relationships, as in personal ones, the foundation of emotional connection is trust, and the foundation of trust is consistency. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024 The agency pools scientific expertise across the bloc’s countries, acts as a single contact point for the private sector for licensing purposes, and ensures consistency and unified standards for EU medicines, leaving some leeway to member states. Agathe Demarais, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024 For the herb paste: Process parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, shallot, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in food processor until consistency of coarse paste, about 10 2-second pulses. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consistency 

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of consistency was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near consistency

Cite this Entry

“Consistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistency. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

consistency

noun
con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsis-tən-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
: the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness
dough of the right consistency
2
: agreement or harmony between parts or elements
3
: a sticking with one way of thinking or acting

More from Merriam-Webster on consistency

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