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
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
As Morillon and his colleagues report in Science Advances, a medium degree of syncopation triggered a strong desire to move to the music.
—Anna Von Hopffgarten, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2024
The tap numbers in City Center’s revival of Jelly’s Last Jam, feats of synchronization and syncopation, choreographed by Dormeshia, that transport you straight to the streets of early-20th-century New Orleans, or to the rhythmic ecstasy of a Chicago juke joint, are genuine showstoppers.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for syncopation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
As Morillon and his colleagues report in Science Advances, a medium degree of syncopation triggered a strong desire to move to the music.
—Anna Von Hopffgarten, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2024
The tap numbers in City Center’s revival of Jelly’s Last Jam, feats of synchronization and syncopation, choreographed by Dormeshia, that transport you straight to the streets of early-20th-century New Orleans, or to the rhythmic ecstasy of a Chicago juke joint, are genuine showstoppers.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Feb. 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 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share