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 result is dissonance, resentment, and disengagement for boys—and hostile climates for girls. —Soraya Chemaly, Time, 24 Nov. 2025

The dissonance between the gravity of the crisis in the Caribbean and the regime’s messaging is visible on the streets of Caracas. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

The dissonance mirrors the film’s loopy approach to Grace. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025

The dissonance between their bacchanalian ritual and Adelaida’s silent, solitary suffering is marked, and the disrespect for the dead further underlined when a gravedigger tersely shoos her away from the graveside, reminding her that the area is unsafe, especially at nightfall. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 31 Oct. 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