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

• discord
• friction
• discordance
• strife
• conflict
• discordancy
• dissention
• 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 dissonance can trigger feelings of guilt, shame and complicity, akin to moral degradation experienced by soldiers unable to act in accordance with their conscience. —Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

From my vantage point, as someone intimately familiar with its surroundings, Delaney Hall's existence stands in opposition to the values of the very community where it is located, and the dissonance is staggering. —Annell López, Time, 12 May 2025

Dropping explosive onomatopoeia on enemies while the little girl giggles creates a laugh-out-level point of dissonance. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025

One misstep in either setting can cause a cascade of problems—delays in an airport, dissonance in an orchestra. —Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 1 July 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