cognitive dissonance

noun

: psychological conflict resulting from incongruous beliefs and attitudes held simultaneously

Examples of cognitive dissonance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Early adolescence was a sustained state of cognitive dissonance. Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 There’s a cognitive dissonance between the utopian hope and love in which a story is created, the gift economy for which it’s intended as a sort of sacred offering, and the materialist reality of publishing, with sales figures and publicity, et cetera. Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 The cognitive dissonance between strong financials and an immediate drop in share price has occurred in many previous quarters. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026 Will that lead to cognitive dissonance? Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cognitive dissonance

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cognitive dissonance was in 1957

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Cite this Entry

“Cognitive dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognitive%20dissonance. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

cognitive dissonance

noun
: psychological conflict resulting from simultaneously held incongruous beliefs and attitudes (as a fondness for smoking and a belief that it is harmful)

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