dissonance
noun
dis·so·nance
ˈdi-sə-nən(t)s 
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 dissonances—
F. B. Millett
F. B. Millett2
: a mingling of sounds that strike the ear harshly : a mingling of discordant sounds
especially, music
: a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord
Synonyms
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
The mood at Davos This year, the dissonance in Davos is particularly acute.
—David Gelles, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
That despite the dissonance, the better Trump imagined by his supporters wins out.
—David Mastio, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
King’s comment follows a similar one from Hacks star Jean Smart, who touched on the dissonance between the ongoing fires and Hollywood’s awards season.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
These rituals also help to ensure that emotional dissonance doesn’t take root and that both partners stay connected on a deeper level.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dissonance 
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David Gelles, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
That despite the dissonance, the better Trump imagined by his supporters wins out.
—David Mastio, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
King’s comment follows a similar one from Hacks star Jean Smart, who touched on the dissonance between the ongoing fires and Hollywood’s awards season.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
These rituals also help to ensure that emotional dissonance doesn’t take root and that both partners stay connected on a deeper level.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dissonance
Dictionary Entries Near dissonance
Cite this Entry
“Dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissonance. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dissonance
noun
dis·so·nance
ˈdis-ə-nən(t)s
: an unpleasant combination of musical sounds
Medical Definition
dissonance
noun
dis·so·nance
ˈdis-ə-nən(t)s
: inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs see cognitive dissonance
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