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

2

: a mingling of sounds that strike the ear harshly : a mingling of discordant sounds

especially, music : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord

Synonyms

• conflict
• disaccord
• discord
• discordance
• discordancy
• disharmony
• dissension
• dissention
• dissent
• dissidence
• disunion
• disunity
• division
• friction
• infighting
• inharmony
• schism
• strife
• variance
• war
• warfare

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

But perhaps behind the jokes was a recognition of a different kind of dissonance. —D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025

This external treatment underscores the dissonance that actual pregnant people — whom Lainy meets while attending prenatal classes with Megan — feel. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025

This dissonance is one that Americans are far too familiar with: moments of joy, unity, and freedom of expression often unfold within institutions funded by people whose politics threaten those very values. —Lia Tabackman, Refinery29, 18 Apr. 2025

That dissonance between what Black birthing people know to be true and how they’re treated in clinical spaces is part of what birth justice advocates like Latham Thomas have spent decades working to shift. —Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see dissonant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing dissonance

• cognitive dissonance

Kids 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