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
Meeting her audience at a remedial ground level in the lyrics while waxing ecstatically in interviews about the ambitions of Pink Floyd rock operas, Panos Cosmatos films, and Beyoncé documentaries relays a humming dissonance.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 June 2025
Despite the apparent dissonance, officials from both sides have downplayed any indications of a rift between the American and Israeli leaders.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
For negotiators, this framework offers a pathway to eliminate the dissonance that often undermines our bargaining position.
—Kwame Christian Esq, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
But at other times there’s a seemingly deliberate dissonance, as when the would-be dictator drives into town at the wheel of a snazzily modern red convertible sports car.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dissonance
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Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 June 2025
Despite the apparent dissonance, officials from both sides have downplayed any indications of a rift between the American and Israeli leaders.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
For negotiators, this framework offers a pathway to eliminate the dissonance that often undermines our bargaining position.
—Kwame Christian Esq, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
But at other times there’s a seemingly deliberate dissonance, as when the would-be dictator drives into town at the wheel of a snazzily modern red convertible sports car.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 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 15 Jun. 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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