as in discriminatory
favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people
did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work
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Recent Examples of differential
The comparable American sports term is point differential.
—
Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026
Utah ends up with the 4th seed by virtue of points differential, being tied with Bay Area on match wins, game wins, and then game differential (h/t to Tice for the breakdown).
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state.
—New York Times, 21 May 2026
Despite allegations of differential treatment, Tolcher said punishments were issued according to the discipline policies and procedures in the school’s parent and student handbook.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for differential
Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026
Utah ends up with the 4th seed by virtue of points differential, being tied with Bay Area on match wins, game wins, and then game differential (h/t to Tice for the breakdown).
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state.
—New York Times, 21 May 2026
Despite allegations of differential treatment, Tolcher said punishments were issued according to the discipline policies and procedures in the school’s parent and student handbook.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for differential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for differential
Adjective
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The business owners argue that they’ve been denied leases in Westport for racially discriminatory reasons under the guise of improving public safety.—
Dylan Lysen,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
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Players who cover their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent will be shown a red card to prevent discriminatory or offensive comments.—
Kierra Frazier,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Obama's tan suit moment has persisted for his supporters as an example of unfair criticism, but nearly a decade later, the suit has become an iconic piece of fashion within itself.—
Morgan Evans,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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The Harris Poll defined a toxic boss as someone who exhibits harmful workplace behaviors, including unfair preferential treatment, blame-shifting, unnecessary micromanagement, taking credit for others’ ideas and acting unprofessionally.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/differential. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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