cacophonous

[kuh-kof-uh-nuhs]

adjective

1. having a harsh or discordant sound.

   Synonyms: raucous, grating, strident, dissonant

Other Word Forms

• cacophonously adverb
• uncacophonous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cacophonous¹

From the Greek word kakóphōnos, dating back to 1790–1800. See caco-, -phone, -ous

Example Sentences

It is, inarguably, a very different show than the one that debuted three years ago, with far fewer cacophonous kitchen scenes, and many more Chicago-appreciating exteriors.

From Los Angeles Times

This has brought more traffic and given the city a cacophonous soundtrack of honking horns.

From BBC

Our street has been a cacophonous, messy construction site for so long it’s hard to remember what it was like before.

From Los Angeles Times

He has also wrapped some of the walls with stacked felt to prevent the environment from becoming cacophonous.

From Los Angeles Times

That gradually gave way to stunned discomfort and then restless muttering until Powell’s interception return led to a cathartic and cacophonous roar.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• discordant 
• noisy 
• raucous