cognitive dissonance

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. anxiety or discomfort that results from simultaneously holding contradictory or otherwise incompatible attitudes, beliefs, or the like, such as when someone likes a person but disapproves strongly of one of their habits.

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cognitive dissonance British  

noun

1. psychol an uncomfortable mental state resulting from conflicting cognitions; usually resolved by changing some of the cognitions

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Etymology

Origin of cognitive dissonance

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

As if this wasn’t ominous enough, the latest BofA Securities fund-manager’s survey shows that Wall Street is, once again, experiencing severe cognitive dissonance: It is simultaneously worried about the market, but afraid to sell.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

In trying to disassociate herself from the scandal, Melania’s lack of acknowledgment of her husband’s ties to Epstein stands out as a confusing, but increasingly familiar, bit of cognitive dissonance.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Then again, to anyone who has spent considerable time there, you’ll notice the strange cognitive dissonance among its cultural landscape.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2026

This is because the cognitive dissonance of advocating for something but not actually doing it makes people very uncomfortable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

They stared at him, at his face that was as blue as his hands, and they struggled—all save Thyon—with an overwhelming upsurge of cognitive dissonance.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor