syncopation

noun

syn·​co·​pa·​tion ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən 

ˌsin-

1

: a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat

2

: a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step

syncopative

ˈsiŋ-kə-ˌpā-tiv 

ˈsin-

adjective

Examples of syncopation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To do it under the brightest lights and best competition, in the playoffs, brings a special aura to players who orchestrate such high-stakes games to their own syncopation. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

His lines frequently featured syncopation, chromatic passing tones, and unexpected rhythmic accents, giving Motown songs their distinctive sense of movement and groove. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

Instead, Angine de Poitrine are more like Meshuggah or Dawn of Midi, establishing a meter and then creating rhythmic illusions using creative bursts of syncopation. —Christopher R. Weingarten, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026

There's a, there's a deal, a, a deal of, uh, syncopation and the harmonies are rather opaque. —Deborah Unger, Scientific American, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for syncopation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

syncopation

noun

syn·​co·​pa·​tion ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən 

ˌsin-

1

: a temporary accenting of a normally weak beat in music to vary the rhythm

2

: a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step