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

syncopative

ˈsiŋ-kə-ˌpā-tiv 

ˈsin-

adjective

Examples of syncopation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To do it under the brightest lights and best competition, in the playoffs, brings a special aura to players who orchestrate such high-stakes games to their own syncopation. — David Aldridge, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

His lines frequently featured syncopation, chromatic passing tones, and unexpected rhythmic accents, giving Motown songs their distinctive sense of movement and groove. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

Instead, Angine de Poitrine are more like Meshuggah or Dawn of Midi, establishing a meter and then creating rhythmic illusions using creative bursts of syncopation. — Christopher R. Weingarten, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026

There's a, there's a deal, a, a deal of, uh, syncopation and the harmonies are rather opaque. — Deborah Unger, Scientific American, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for syncopation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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