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cognitive dissonance
noun
: psychological conflict resulting from incongruous beliefs and attitudes held simultaneously
Examples of cognitive dissonance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Notably, the same people embrace the punier roster of celebrities who occupy the MAGA column with open arms, never mind the cognitive dissonance involved in accepting Ted Nugent’s political acumen while dismissing his peers.
—Brian Lowry, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
These conflicting versions created a puzzling cognitive dissonance.
—Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024
Ultimately, this entire plot point was all about cognitive dissonance and Heather and Whitney’s ability to compartmentalize and separate their feelings about Mormonism with their support for their friend.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2024
Win or lose, though, animal advocates will still face the wearying task of trying to bridge the public’s cognitive dissonance about where our meat comes from and channel it productively into politics.
—Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 10 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1957, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cognitive dissonance was
in 1957
Dictionary Entries Near cognitive dissonance
Cite this Entry
“Cognitive dissonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognitive%20dissonance. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
cognitive dissonance
noun
: psychological conflict resulting from simultaneously held incongruous beliefs and attitudes (as a fondness for smoking and a belief that it is harmful)
More from Merriam-Webster on cognitive dissonance
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cognitive dissonance
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