What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cacophonous
Example
The construction site was filled with the cacophonous sounds of drilling and hammering. [cacophonous: adjective]
Example
The band's performance was cacophonous, with each instrument playing a different tune. [cacophonous: adjective]
dissonant
Example
The dissonant chords in the song created a sense of unease. [dissonant: adjective]
Example
The orchestra played a dissonant piece that challenged the audience's expectations. [dissonant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cacophonous is less common than dissonant in everyday language. Cacophonous is more specific to describing loud and chaotic sounds, while dissonant has a broader usage in the context of music and sounds in general.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cacophonous and dissonant?
Both cacophonous and dissonant are formal words that are typically used in more academic or specialized contexts, such as music criticism or literary analysis.
