contrast

verb

con·​trast kən-ˈtrast  ˈkän-ˌtrast 

contrasted; contrasting; contrasts

transitive verb

: to set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences

Contrast European and American manners.

Contrast the two major characters of the novel.

—often used with to or with

contrasting the painter with her contemporaries

intransitive verb

: to form a contrast

contrastable

kən-ˈtra-stə-bəl 

ˈkän-ˌtra-

adjective

contrastingly

kən-ˈtra-stiŋ-lē 

ˈkän-ˌtra-

adverb

Synonyms of contrast

• differ

Choose the Right Synonym for contrast

compare, contrast, collate mean to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses.

compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

Examples of contrast in a Sentence

Her black dress and the white background contrast sharply.

We compared and contrasted the two characters of the story.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, pastel walls contrast the travertine marble and bronze accents, while sculptural busts, mosaics, and objets d’art stand beside regal Rubelli Venezia fabrics. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

When contrasted against the peak of the fentanyl crisis in 2021, when 5,791 Floridians lost their lives, the current drop to roughly 1,500 annual occurrences represents a 62% long-term decrease. —John Koufos, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026

There are almost 30 to choose from, including 10 versions of a graphic floral print reimagined in bright, contrasting hues. —Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Early in the session, the siblings began by reflecting on their childhoods growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Chicago, and the experiences that led them on contrasting career paths. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French contraster "to be in opposition (of elements of a work of art)," re-formation (after Italian contrastare "to oppose, set against, be in opposition [of elements of a work of art]") of Middle French contrester "to resist, oppose, struggle against," going back to Old French, going back to Vulgar Latin *contrāstāre "to oppose," from Latin contrā "opposite, facing, against" + stāre "to stand" — more at contra-, stand entry 1

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing contrast

• by/in contrast
• compare and contrast
• in marked contrast to
• in stark/marked/sharp contrast with/to
• in striking contrast to/with
• phase-contrast
• phase-contrast microscope
• stand in striking contrast to/with

Kids Definition

contrast

1 of 2 verb

con·​trast kən-ˈtrast  ˈkän-ˌtrast 

1

: to show noticeable differences

2

: to compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them

contrast

2 of 2 noun

con·​trast ˈkän-ˌtrast 

1

: a person or thing that shows differences when compared to another

2

: difference or unlikeness (as in color or brightness) between related things especially when very plain