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

The news points to a dissonance between headlines about the ostensibly relentless march of Chinese AI firms and the challenges those firms face. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Anxieties repeatedly surge in volume and dissonance. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

The dissonance doesn’t phase him. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026

Jagged sheets of tension and dissonance from Reichard and Masri get swept up in the mellow simplicity of her bending chords, and every twinge and twang brings a rush of feeling. —H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 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