What is the term for a momentary contradiction of the meter in music?

The term for a momentary contradiction of the meter in music is syncopation. Syncopation occurs when rhythms emphasize beats or parts of beats that are typically considered weak or off-beats within a given meter. This creates a sense of surprise or tension in the music, as it disrupts the listener’s expectation of the regular rhythmic pattern. This technique is widely used in many musical styles, such as jazz, funk, and pop, to add interest and complexity to the rhythm.

In a broader context, while polyrhythm refers to the simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythms, cross-rhythm involves the interaction of contrasting meters, and tuplets are specific groupings of notes that alter the traditional subdivision of a beat, none of these terms precisely capture the essence of a momentary contradiction of the meter like syncopation does.