Cacophony: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe a loud, confusing mixture of sounds, especially in urban environments or chaotic situations. It can imply a negative experience.

• The cacophony of car horns, construction, and people talking made it hard to think.
• As soon as the band started playing, the hall filled with a cacophony of mismatched instruments.

Used to describe a lack of harmony or agreement, not just in sound but also in ideas or opinions. It often has a negative connotation.

• The discordance between the two leaders made it difficult to reach a consensus.
• There was a noticeable discordance in the music, causing the audience to wince.

Primarily used in music to describe a lack of harmony between notes or chords, it can also refer to a clash of ideas or beliefs. It's often associated with discomfort or tension.

• The composer's use of dissonance created a sense of unease in the music.
• Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two conflicting beliefs.

This word emphasizes a lack of harmony or agreement, and is often used in the context of relationships or group dynamics. It typically suggests a negative situation.

• The disharmony in the team was apparent as they struggled to work together.
• The disharmony in the choir's performance was disappointing to the audience.

This term is often used to describe a mixture of harsh, jarring, and possibly unpleasant sounds. It can refer to any chaotic blend of noises, whether from nature, people, or machinery, and is typically used in a more literary or descriptive context.

• The city street was a cacophony of car horns, shouting vendors, and construction noise.
• Her thoughts were a cacophony of conflicting feelings and unanswered questions.

Din refers to a loud and continuous noise that is usually considered bothersome or overwhelming. It often describes a constant background noise that makes it difficult to hear or concentrate.

• The din of the factory machines made it hard for workers to communicate without shouting.
• She closed the window to shut out the din of the traffic.

Clamor is used to describe a loud and persistent noise, often created by a group of people. It implies an outcry or a demand for attention, making it suitable for situations involving protests, crowds, or any scenario where a loud and continuous noise is made by people.

• The clamor of the protesters outside the government building was impossible to ignore.
• He couldn't concentrate on his work amidst the clamor of children playing in the park.

Noise is a general term for any unwanted or disruptive sound and is the most common and neutral of these terms. It can be used in any situation where sound is unpleasant or distracting, without an inherent negative or positive connotation.

• The noise from the neighbor's party kept me awake all night.
• He prefers to work in a quiet environment to avoid unnecessary noise.