cognitive dissonance

noun

: psychological conflict resulting from incongruous beliefs and attitudes held simultaneously

Examples of cognitive dissonance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Rather, cognitive dissonance is needed and perceptions must change. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 The resulting cognitive dissonance fosters a sense of anxiety that mirrors the paranoia Kristine and Natalia each feel: Why does nobody believe me? Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Cohen-Jackson describes the atmosphere on set in terms of cognitive dissonance. Josh Weiss, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 This gets embedded more and more through a brain process called cognitive dissonance. Dale Whelehan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cognitive dissonance

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cognitive dissonance was in 1957

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Cite this Entry

“Cognitive dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognitive%20dissonance. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

cognitive dissonance

noun
: psychological conflict resulting from simultaneously held incongruous beliefs and attitudes (as a fondness for smoking and a belief that it is harmful)

More from Merriam-Webster on cognitive dissonance

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