syncopation
noun
syn·co·pa·tion
ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən 
ˌsin-
1
: a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat
2
: a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step
Examples of syncopation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The main leap forward is the approach to vocals, which connect rap’s penchant for melody in syncopation, Swift-pop’s flair for sassy specificity, and electronic music’s insistence that production—filters, beats, samples—is songwriting.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Erving, with his trademark Afro seemingly moving to its syncopation, controlled both his body and the basketball in midair.
—David Aldridge, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
Following Bas in a Western-style shirt with red fringe (and perfect syncopation behind his drum kit) was Frazer, whose persistent falsetto fit comfortably next to the harmonies Jungle would later be delivering.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024
The music adds a rapturous complexity, as the intertwining parts seem to waver between 3/4 time and 6/8 time, and syncopations enliven the texture.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
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Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Erving, with his trademark Afro seemingly moving to its syncopation, controlled both his body and the basketball in midair.
—David Aldridge, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
Following Bas in a Western-style shirt with red fringe (and perfect syncopation behind his drum kit) was Frazer, whose persistent falsetto fit comfortably next to the harmonies Jungle would later be delivering.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024
The music adds a rapturous complexity, as the intertwining parts seem to waver between 3/4 time and 6/8 time, and syncopations enliven the texture.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for syncopation
Dictionary Entries Near syncopation
Cite this Entry
“Syncopation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncopation. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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syncopation
noun
syn·co·pa·tion
ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən
ˌsin-
1
: a temporary accenting of a normally weak beat in music to vary the rhythm
2
: a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step
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