dissonance

noun

dis·​so·​nance ˈdi-sə-nən(t)s How to pronounce dissonance (audio)
1
a
: lack of agreement
the dissonance between the truth and what people want to believe
especially : inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs compare cognitive dissonance
b
: an instance of such inconsistency or disagreement
the mingling of bitter comedy and stark tragedy produces sharp dissonancesF. B. Millett
2
: a mingling of sounds that strike the ear harshly : a mingling of discordant sounds
especially, music : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord

Examples of dissonance in a Sentence

the dissonance between what we are told and what we see with our own eyes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dropping explosive onomatopoeia on enemies while the little girl giggles creates a laugh-out-level point of dissonance. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025 One misstep in either setting can cause a cascade of problems—delays in an airport, dissonance in an orchestra. Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Since then, there have been other moments of motherhood dissonance. Samantha Mann, Time, 5 June 2025 While not as drastic as major life transitions, this shift can still create a sense of dissonance—a mismatch between expectations and reality. Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dissonance

Word History

Etymology

see dissonant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissonance was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissonance. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dissonance

noun
dis·​so·​nance ˈdis-ə-nən(t)s How to pronounce dissonance (audio)
: an unpleasant combination of musical sounds

Medical Definition

dissonance

noun
dis·​so·​nance ˈdis-ə-nən(t)s How to pronounce dissonance (audio)
: inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs see cognitive dissonance

More from Merriam-Webster on dissonance

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