syncopation

noun syn·co·pa·tion \ ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən , ˌsin- \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of syncopation

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

play \ˈsiŋ-kə-ˌpā-tiv, ˈsin-\ adjective

See syncopation defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of syncopation from the Web

Apparent influences also include commercial graphic design, the flat and patterned color of Peruvian painter (and occasional muralist) Josué Sánchez Cerron and the aural syncopation of folk and popular music.

— christopher knight, latimes.com, "'Made in L.A. 2018': Why the Hammer biennial is the right show for disturbing times," 5 June 2018
Stanley Gorbatkin’s career as an educator seems to have evolved in syncopation with his employer, Indian Prairie School District 204, over the last 30 years.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "Retiring D204 assistant superintendent has seen district quadruple in size, go from old-school to high-tech," 25 May 2018
Popular music is more diverse and eclectic than ever, driven as much by synth musings and syncopation as power chords and soaring solos.

— patrik jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, "Fall of Gibson: Where have all the guitar heroes gone?," 7 May 2018
Suits is like those series, only more so, its writing, directing, acting, and staging honed to a dapper syncopation.

— james wolcott, HWD, "Confessions of a Suits Fan: Why the Legal Drama That Launched Meghan Markle Works," 27 Apr. 2018
During the nine years covered in this box, Wilson relaxed the pronounced syncopation in his left hand and developed a lushness and sophistication in his right.

— marc myers, WSJ, "‘Classic Brunswick & Columbia Teddy Wilson Sessions 1934-1942’ Review: The Peacemaker of the Piano," 13 Apr. 2018
Salterini says contemporary dance is the bringing together the formalism and bravado of ballet, the earthiness of modern dance and the rhythms and syncopation of jazz dance.

— diana dunbar, miamiherald, "Dance Now! Miami: A sense of tranquility and communality | Miami Herald," 17 Apr. 2018
An aura of dread and violence is summoned by the off-center images, the syncopations of the editing and the relentless hum and throb of Jonny Greenwood’s score.

— a. o. scott, New York Times, "Review: Joaquin Phoenix Is a Melancholy Avenger in ‘You Were Never Really Here’," 4 Apr. 2018
The waves rolling into the shore make cascades of sound, sometimes regular rhythms and sometimes duples and triples and offbeat syncopations—all set against the arpeggios and glissandos of the birds.

— alan hirshfeld, WSJ, "‘Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine’ Review: A Longing for Truth and Meaning," 6 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'syncopation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of syncopation

1597

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

SYNCOPATION Defined for English Language Learners

syncopation

noun

Definition of syncopation for English Language Learners

music : musical rhythm in which stress is given to the weak beats instead of the strong beats

SYNCOPATION Defined for Kids

syncopation

noun syn·co·pa·tion \ ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən \

Definition of syncopation for Students

: an instance of temporarily accenting a normally weak beat in music to vary the rhythm

Learn More about syncopation

See words that rhyme with syncopation Spanish Central: Translation of syncopation Nglish: Translation of syncopation for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about syncopation

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syncopation

Definition of syncopation

syncopative

Recent Examples of syncopation from the Web

First Known Use of syncopation

Other Music Terms

SYNCOPATION Defined for English Language Learners

syncopation

Definition of syncopation for English Language Learners

SYNCOPATION Defined for Kids

syncopation

Definition of syncopation for Students

Learn More about syncopation

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syncopation

Definition of syncopation

syncopative

Recent Examples of syncopation from the Web

First Known Use of syncopation

Other Music Terms

SYNCOPATION Defined for English Language Learners

syncopation

Definition of syncopation for English Language Learners

SYNCOPATION Defined for Kids

syncopation

Definition of syncopation for Students

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