dissonant

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.

Traditional Latin prayers sung by men have a heavy, chant-like ominousness; the two female angels who appear in the visions convey an urgent, slightly dissonant ecstasy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

Jerry Goldsmith’s diaphanous “Alien” score may not be instantly recognizable, but the dissonant orchestral sequences establish a mood that continues through the music featured in its sequels.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

Experts say that the merger strikes a dissonant chord from a branding perspective too.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2024

We sent a dissonant chorus of our own to the Whitney Museum of American Art: three critics, each writing separately, on the highs and lows of the exhibition everyone will have an opinion about.

From New York Times • Mar. 13, 2024

So the critical questions are: “What disturbs us? What is dissonant? What seems anomalous? What is contrary to expectation?”

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander