dissonance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To put it plainly: Julian’s imitations lacked the vivacity that made his art unique, resulting in an uncanny dissonance between idea and result.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

As if this wasn’t ominous enough, the latest BofA Securities fund-manager’s survey shows that Wall Street is, once again, experiencing severe cognitive dissonance: It is simultaneously worried about the market, but afraid to sell.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

In trying to disassociate herself from the scandal, Melania’s lack of acknowledgment of her husband’s ties to Epstein stands out as a confusing, but increasingly familiar, bit of cognitive dissonance.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Last year ended with the dissonance of lifting the Europa League trophy and finishing in 17th place at home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

His published discourses on the physics of music and on the proper use of dissonance - deliberately clashing discords of various kinds - influenced many, if not all, Italian composers of the seventeenth century.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall