syncopation
noun
syn·co·pa·tion
ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən 
ˌsin-
1
: a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat
2
: a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step
Examples of syncopation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The tempo of the scherzo bordered on alarming, save for the group’s ability to bring out inner syncopations, shape rushing scales, and give every subsidiary theme its own character and detail.
—
Luke Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2023
The brassy, slightly ominous arrangement by Gil Evans highlights the pinpoint syncopations of Gilberto’s vocal.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 6 June 2023
In these two people's asymmetric interaction—in their syncopation of syllables and pauses, their counterpoint of postures and facial movements—lies an original story, one that can’t be put into words.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2022
And then there is the rush created by Wainaina’s language, which moves to its own syncopation.
—Anderson Tepper, New York Times, 29 May 2023
Headlining is Silver Spring talent J. Addo, a soulful singer whose moody songs brim with hip-hop energy and slink with the syncopation of Afrobeats — the latter a nod to his Ghanaian heritage.
—Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2023
To gain a greater understanding of Bowie’s artistry while recording the song, Hinds abandoned his usual approach to executing melody and syncopation.
—Patricia Meschino, Billboard, 20 Apr. 2023
But where jazz leans abstract (it’s most easily talked about in terms of formal innovations like swing, syncopation, improvisation and modal chords), hip-hop is jammed with content.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2023
Beck’s electric guitar opens with twangy rockabilly syncopation, sets up the choppy piano groove and pointedly spurs things along.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2023
See More
Luke Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2023
The brassy, slightly ominous arrangement by Gil Evans highlights the pinpoint syncopations of Gilberto’s vocal.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 6 June 2023
In these two people's asymmetric interaction—in their syncopation of syllables and pauses, their counterpoint of postures and facial movements—lies an original story, one that can’t be put into words.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2022
And then there is the rush created by Wainaina’s language, which moves to its own syncopation.
—Anderson Tepper, New York Times, 29 May 2023
Headlining is Silver Spring talent J. Addo, a soulful singer whose moody songs brim with hip-hop energy and slink with the syncopation of Afrobeats — the latter a nod to his Ghanaian heritage.
—Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2023
To gain a greater understanding of Bowie’s artistry while recording the song, Hinds abandoned his usual approach to executing melody and syncopation.
—Patricia Meschino, Billboard, 20 Apr. 2023
But where jazz leans abstract (it’s most easily talked about in terms of formal innovations like swing, syncopation, improvisation and modal chords), hip-hop is jammed with content.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2023
Beck’s electric guitar opens with twangy rockabilly syncopation, sets up the choppy piano groove and pointedly spurs things along.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'syncopation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near syncopation
Cite this Entry
“Syncopation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncopation. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
syncopation
noun
syn·co·pa·tion
ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən
ˌsin-
1
: a temporary accenting of a normally weak beat in music to vary the rhythm
2
: a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step
More from Merriam-Webster on syncopation
Nglish: Translation of syncopation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about syncopation
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