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

See Examples For:

cognitive dissonance

“There’s a cognitive dissonance between the intricacies of these deals and the actual amount of water that is in storage,” said Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

The cognitive dissonance contributed to the thickness in the air that week.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

He is a core part of their identity, which means they will change their beliefs and twist reality to justify his behavior and resolve the cognitive dissonance.

From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2026

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

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