Cacophonous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ka-ˈkä-fə-nəs/ ca·coph·o·nous

Meaning & Definition of Cacophonous

Cacophonous (adjective)

  1. marked by cacophony, harsh-sounding

Cacophonous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. marked by or producing a harsh combination of sounds

    "the cacophonous chaos on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange"

    similar: discordant, dissonant, inharmonious, unmelodious, unmusical, unvocal
    related: blaring, clanging, clangorous, clashing, clattering, dinning, grating, harsh, jangling, jangly, jarring, metallic, noisy, raspy, raucous, scratching, screeching, shrill, squeaky, strident, disagreeable, unpleasant, unpleasing, atonal, off-key, tuneless, resounding, sonorous, clamorous, uproarious
    opposite: harmonious, harmonizing, melodious, musical
    near: dulcet, euphonious, mellifluent, mellifluous, mellow, melodic, sweet, tuneful, resonant, sonorous, quavering, trilling, warbling, agreeable, appealing, pleasant, cadenced, lilting, lyric, lyrical, rhythmic, chordal, harmonic, homophonic, orchestral, polyphonic, symphonic, symphonious, tonal, calm, hushed, noiseless, quiet, silent, soundless, still

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cacophonous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cacophonous:

discordant, dissonant, inharmonious, unmelodious, unmusical, unvocal

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Cacophonous

Words with the opposite meaning of Cacophonous:

harmonious, harmonizing, melodious, musical

Related Words for Cacophonous

blaring, clanging, clangorous, clashing, clattering, dinning, grating, harsh, jangling, jangly, jarring, metallic, noisy, raspy, raucous, scratching, screeching, shrill, squeaky, strident, disagreeable, unpleasant, unpleasing, atonal, off-key, tuneless, resounding, sonorous, clamorous, uproarious

Near Antonyms of Cacophonous

dulcet, euphonious, mellifluent, mellifluous, mellow, melodic, sweet, tuneful, resonant, sonorous, quavering, trilling, warbling, agreeable, appealing, pleasant, cadenced, lilting, lyric, lyrical, rhythmic, chordal, harmonic, homophonic, orchestral, polyphonic, symphonic, symphonious, tonal, calm

Word Forms of Cacophonous

Derived words: cacophonously (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Cacophonous

borrowed from New Latin cacophōnus (borrowed from Greek kakóphōnos "disagreeable-sounding," from kako- caco- + -phōnos "having a sound [of the kind specified]," adjective derivative of phōnḗ "sound made by something living, voice, speech") + -ous phono-

First known use: 1782

Frequently Asked Questions about Cacophonous

What does "Cacophonous" mean?

"Cacophonous" means marked by cacophony, harsh-sounding. As an adjective, it is defined as: marked by cacophony, harsh-sounding.

What is another word for "Cacophonous"?

Other words for "Cacophonous" include discordant, dissonant, inharmonious, unmelodious, unmusical and unvocal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cacophonous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cacophonous"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cacophonous". Common alternatives include discordant, dissonant, inharmonious, unmelodious, unmusical and unvocal.

What is the opposite of "Cacophonous"?

Antonyms of "Cacophonous" include harmonious, harmonizing, melodious and musical. Near antonyms include dulcet, euphonious, mellifluent and mellifluous.

How do you use "Cacophonous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cacophonous" in a sentence: "the cacophonous chaos on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange".

Is "Cacophonous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cacophonous" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Cacophonous"?

"Cacophonous" is pronounced /ka-ˈkä-fə-nəs/ and divided into syllables as ca·coph·o·nous.

What is the origin of the word "Cacophonous"?

"Cacophonous" comes from borrowed from New Latin cacophōnus (borrowed from Greek kakóphōnos "disagreeable-sounding," from kako- caco- + -phōnos "having a sound [of the kind specified]," adjective derivative of phōnḗ "sound made by something living, voice, speech") + -ous phono-. First known use: 1782.