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
F. B. Millett2
: 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
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
Capsule: Julie Albers soars in this concert full of dissonance, meditation and feeling.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024
This exhibition will explore concepts that define Black dandyism specifically and uncover elements of productive tension that appear when considering the figure—such as ownership, authority and self-possession, ease, exaggeration, freedom, transgression, dissonance, and spectacularity.
—News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2024
Still, Echoes of Wisdom stands as a quietly revisionist work despite this dissonance.
—James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 25 Sep. 2024
Cheney’s presence prompted some dissonance for Harris supporters in the Ripon audience, especially those who remember her father’s role as a Republican headliner.
—Chris Megerian and Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dissonance 
Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024
This exhibition will explore concepts that define Black dandyism specifically and uncover elements of productive tension that appear when considering the figure—such as ownership, authority and self-possession, ease, exaggeration, freedom, transgression, dissonance, and spectacularity.
—News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2024
Still, Echoes of Wisdom stands as a quietly revisionist work despite this dissonance.
—James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 25 Sep. 2024
Cheney’s presence prompted some dissonance for Harris supporters in the Ripon audience, especially those who remember her father’s role as a Republican headliner.
—Chris Megerian and Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dissonance
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dissonance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near dissonance
Cite this Entry
“Dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissonance. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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