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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Resistance stems from status quo bias, loss aversion, and cognitive dissonance, exemplified by Blockbuster’s and Sears’ failures. Peter D. Banko, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 For Petrescu, that kind of cognitive dissonance was part of the thrill of the job. Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Centuries of cognitive dissonance followed. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 There is real cognitive dissonance between the managerial doldrums of the past three decades and this. Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 27 May 2026 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 22 Jun. 2026.

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)

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