Cacophony
mediumNegative tonekuh-KOF-uh-nee
noun
Definition
A harsh mixture of discordant sounds; loud, confused, and unharmonious noise
Memory hook
CACO-PHONY: BAD SOUNDS — like a CACKLING chorus of horrible noise.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The cacophony of car horns and construction sounds made it impossible to concentrate in the downtown office.”
“The student orchestra produced a cacophony during their first rehearsal before gradually improving their coordination.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ of car horns and construction sounds made it impossible to concentrate in the downtown office.”
Show answer
cacophony
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Cacophony is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "dissonance" or "discord" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "harmony".
Related GRE Words
dissonance
Lack of harmony; disagreement or inconsistency between ideas, sounds, or statements
discordant
clashing or disagreeing; harsh and inharmonious
vociferous
Loud and forceful in expression or protest
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
abstract
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
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