# cacophony

/kæˈkɑfəni/ (US) · /kɐkˈɒfənˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cacophony
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a loud, unpleasant mix of sounds that do not go well together. You use it for noise that feels messy and hard to listen to.

For teachers: a harsh, discordant mixture of loud sounds lacking in harmony. Often contrasted with harmony or melody.

## Examples

- The street fills with the cacophony of horns and shouting.
- The school hallway breaks into a cacophony of bells, lockers, and loud voices between classes.
- From the open window came the late-night cacophony of the city, sirens and traffic blending into a restless hum that made sleep impossible.

## Synonyms

din, racket, clamor, noise, discord

## Antonyms

Harmony, melody, silence

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.