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

There’s a certain cognitive dissonance that comes with becoming invested in a television character portrayed by an actor whose public statements conflict with one’s own beliefs. — Yael Buechler, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Recently, Chatten, who writes most of the group’s lyrics, told the Times a story about going to see a movie with his headphones in and attempting to actualize an ambient cognitive dissonance, a feeling of being in the world but not quite of it. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Paradoxically, this kind of cognitive dissonance is possible precisely because of the saturation of public awareness with this knowledge and the hefty costs of acknowledging it. — Abdelrahman Elgendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Executives remain in a heightened state due to being the ultimate problem-solvers and the internal struggle of cognitive dissonance, where their minds constantly resolve mismatches between beliefs and actions. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

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)