-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Elevating someone who reviews food and makes promotional appearances into someone that transcends time is a bit of cognitive dissonance that’s undoubtedly amusing.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
They're just stuck in this perpetual cycle of cognitive dissonance.
—Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
That hint of cognitive dissonance makes the film almost nauseatingly gripping, and disturbing.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
These conflicting versions created a puzzling cognitive dissonance.
—Lane Sainty, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cognitive dissonance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 22 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share