dissonance
noun
dis·so·nance
ˈdi-sə-nən(t)s 
1
a
: lack of agreement
the dissonance between the truth and what people want to believe
especially
: inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs compare cognitive dissonance
b
: an instance of such inconsistency or disagreement
the mingling of bitter comedy and stark tragedy produces sharp dissonances—
F. B. Millett
F. B. Millett2
: a mingling of sounds that strike the ear harshly : a mingling of discordant sounds
especially, music
: a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord
Examples of dissonance in a Sentence
the dissonance between what we are told and what we see with our own eyes
Recent Examples on the Web
These cursory changes clash with its more modernized lead, and the resulting dissonance is particularly egregious.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
In order to cope with and reconcile the dissonance, victims may experience denial, confusion, and have inconsistent or suppressed memories about the abuse.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025
This legal dissonance makes working with businesses that sell cannabis especially complicated, leaving many banks and insurance companies to refuse dealing with the industry altogether.
—Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
And his timing, coming on the heels of the ’60s and reflecting the possibility and dissonance of its aftermath, could not have been more ideal.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dissonance
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Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
In order to cope with and reconcile the dissonance, victims may experience denial, confusion, and have inconsistent or suppressed memories about the abuse.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025
This legal dissonance makes working with businesses that sell cannabis especially complicated, leaving many banks and insurance companies to refuse dealing with the industry altogether.
—Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
And his timing, coming on the heels of the ’60s and reflecting the possibility and dissonance of its aftermath, could not have been more ideal.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dissonance
Cite this Entry
“Dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissonance. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dissonance
noun
dis·so·nance
ˈdis-ə-nən(t)s
: an unpleasant combination of musical sounds
Medical Definition
dissonance
noun
dis·so·nance
ˈdis-ə-nən(t)s
: inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs see cognitive dissonance
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