What does "unison" mean?
Identical pitch between two notes or sounds; the simultaneous playing of notes of identical pitch (or separated by one or more octaves).
Unison
/ˈjunɪsən/ name, noun
name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Identical pitch between two notes or sounds; the simultaneous playing of notes of identical pitch (or separated by one or more octaves).
- Grammar: unison is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: acclamation, accompaniment, accompanying, accord.
- Useful contrasts: fifth, seventh, third.
- Usage evidence: We said in unison that we didn't agree to the suggestion.
How to use "unison"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "unison" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "unison" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "unison" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "unison" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Identical pitch between two notes or sounds; the simultaneous playing of notes of identical pitch (or separated by one or more octaves). uncountable, usually
"The unison has a pitch ratio of 1:1."
- 2 (music) two or more sounds or tones at the same pitch or in octaves wordnet
- 3 A sound or note having the same pitch as another, especially when used as the base note for an interval; a unison string. uncountable, usually
"I could not behold him without emotion; when he accosted me, his well-known voice made my heart vibrate, like a musical chord, when its unison is struck."
- 4 occurring together or simultaneously wordnet
- 5 The state of being in harmony or agreement; harmonious agreement or togetherness, synchronisation. uncountable, usually
"Everyone moved in unison, but the sudden change in weight distribution capsized the boat."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 corresponding exactly wordnet
- 7 Two or more voices speaking or singing the same words together. broadly, uncountable, usually
Proper Noun
- 1 A public-sector trade union in the United Kingdom. British
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of UNISON (“British trade union for public-sector workers”). alt-of
Example
"We said in unison that we didn't agree to the suggestion."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "unison"?
Common synonyms include: acclamation, accompaniment, accompanying, accord, accord, accordance.
How do you use "unison" in a sentence?
We said in unison that we didn't agree to the suggestion.
How do you pronounce "unison"?
Pronounced /ˈjunɪsən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Since 1993. Created as a play on unison, as the united workers act in unison.
Etymology 2
From Middle English unisoun, from Middle French unisson, from Medieval Latin ūnisonus (“having the same sound”), from ūni- + sonus (“sound”).