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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
Win or lose, though, animal advocates will still face the wearying task of trying to bridge the public’s cognitive dissonance about where our meat comes from and channel it productively into politics.
—Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 10 Oct. 2024
Though Active Greens are a relatively small segment — fewer than one in five consumers fall into this category — our advice to companies is to recognize the cognitive dissonance that many feel when making purchases.
—Forrester, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Human brains are hard-wired to reduce cognitive dissonance and preserve self-esteem.
—David M. Edelstein, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2015
Given that, seeing such ambitious, brilliant women colleagues — particularly women of color — face such inequities felt like cognitive dissonance.
—Ruchika T. Malhotra, Harvard Business Review, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cognitive dissonance
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cognitive dissonance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1957, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cognitive dissonance was
in 1957
Dictionary Entries Near cognitive dissonance
Cite this Entry
“Cognitive dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognitive%20dissonance. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
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)
More from Merriam-Webster on cognitive dissonance
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cognitive dissonance
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