differently

adverb

dif·​fer·​ent·​ly ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt-lē 

ˈdi-fərnt-

1

: in a different manner

2

: otherwise

Synonyms of differently

• else

Examples of differently in a Sentence

we do things differently around here

Recent Examples on the Web

Along the way, the insects can look and behave very differently at each stage. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Push the power back to the states and let every team behave differently. — Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 1 July 2026

The next step is often violence against those who think differently. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Did something from this column lead you to thinking about things differently or trying something new? — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English differentliche, differently, from different different entry 1 + -liche, -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing differently

• differently abled

Rhymes for differently

• indifferently