consistent

adjective

con·​sis·​tent kən-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce consistent (audio)
Synonyms of consistentnext
1
a
: marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity : free from variation or contradiction
a consistent style in painting
b
: marked by agreement : compatible
—usually used with with
statements not consistent with the truth
c
: showing steady conformity to character, profession, belief, or custom
a consistent patriot
2
: tending to be arbitrarily close to the true value of the parameter estimated as the sample becomes large
a consistent statistical estimator
3
archaic : possessing firmness or coherence
consistently
kən-ˈsi-stənt-lē How to pronounce consistent (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of consistent in a Sentence

… the sixty-five-year-old filmmaker continues to practice his craft with consistent artistic aplomb. — Peter Travers, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2001
I am not consistent about giving vibrancy and other kinds of input to a relationship.  … There are periods when I am the most attentive and thoughtful lover in the world, and periods, too, when I am just unavailable. — Toni Cade Bambara, "A Conversation with Claudia Tate," in The Story and Its Writer, edited by Ann Charters,  1987
One of the strengths of Blake's letters is their consistent readability … — William Styron, This Quiet Dust and Other Writings, (1953) 1982
The rhythm of the gesture never varied. The paper flew in identically the same arc at each doorway, landed in identically the same spot. It was impossible for anybody to throw with such consistent perfection. — Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time, (1962) 1976
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.
Plus, she's been a consistent advocate for working mothers, pushing for improved mothers' rooms within Scripps, maintaining an open-door policy and promoting work-life balance for others on her team. — Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025 Grow in full sun and provide consistent moisture without letting the soil get soggy. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025 As temperatures climb, professionals in emergency medicine and child injury prevention are urging caregivers to adopt simple, consistent habits that could mean the difference between life and death. — Adrienne Farr, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025 The weather has brought large waves and heavy rain, meaning that the team has had to deal with consistent setbacks. — Quinta Thomson, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consistent

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin consistent-, consistens, present participle of consistere "to come to a halt, remain at the same level, take up a position, reside, be composed of, be established (in a given state)" — more at consist entry 1

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of consistent was in 1638

Phrases Containing consistent

Rhymes for consistent

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Browse Nearby Words

consistency
consistent
consistent equations
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Cite this Entry

“Consistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistent. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

consistent

adjective
con·​sis·​tent kən-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce consistent (audio)
1
: being in agreement or harmony
actions consistent with our policy
2
: being unchanging in behavior or beliefs
a consistent supporter
consistently adverb

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