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Definition of dissonant

dissonant

/ˈdɪs.ə.nənt/
dis · so · nant
Adverb:dissonantly
•
Plural:dissonants
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dissonant Lexical Profile

dissonant Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Lacking harmony; producing a harsh, jarring, or unresolved combination of musical notes or sounds.

Example

"The composer used dissonant chords to build a sense of suspense and unease throughout the symphony."

2

Disagreeing or clashing with surrounding elements, beliefs, or expectations; incongruous or incompatible.

Example

"His optimistic remarks felt dissonant with the somber mood of the gathering."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A harsh, discordant, or unresolved musical note or interval.

Example

"The piece resolves its sharpest dissonants into a peaceful final cadence."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for dissonant

• Nearby Words

dissolve
dissolvent
dissonance
dissonant
dissuade
dissuader
distance

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French dissonant or directly from Latin dissonantem, the present participle of dissonare ('to differ in sound, disagree'), formed from dis- ('apart') and sonare ('to sound').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dissonant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dissonant
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