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 of dissonance

• discord
• friction
• discordance
• strife
• conflict
• discordancy
• war
• schism
• warfare
• dissent

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

This debut novel, told entirely in testimony by various members of the Sarafs’ Northern Virginia community, presents itself as a mystery and reveals itself to be a highly human story about cultural dissonance and the limits of acceptance. —Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026

The dissonance around Washington has not bent Trump. —Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

My Ghosts Go Ghost works best when its gears grind to create an attention-grabbing dissonance. —Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026

The dissonance is subtle but persistent. —Lela London, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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