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

2

: a mingling of sounds that strike the ear harshly : a mingling of discordant sounds

especially, music : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord

Synonyms

• conflict
• disaccord
• discord
• discordance
• discordancy
• disharmony
• dissension
• dissention
• dissent
• dissidence
• disunion
• disunity
• division
• friction
• infighting
• inharmony
• schism
• strife
• variance
• war
• warfare

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

The show opens with the rumble of Tuvan throat singing and the piercing dissonance of Bulgarian harmony, but most of what follows is a smooth surface untroubled by such disturbances. —Brian Seibert, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

From the ground, the social-media response looked self-interested and craven, a reminder of the dissonance between the two realities. —Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025

Because that remarkable dissonance – the visitors, backs against the wall, outnumbered thousands to one, stealing momentum by owning the moment meant to motivate the home team and crowd – worked. —Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 31 Dec. 2024

Indian policymakers must reckon with the dissonance of the government’s tough line on the border and its more permissive approach to economic ties with China. —Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dissonant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing dissonance

• cognitive dissonance

Kids 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