contrast

verb con·trast \ kən-ˈtrast , ˈkän-ˌtrast \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: contrast in a Sentence

Definition of contrast

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

play \kən-ˈtra-stə-bəl, ˈkän-ˌtra-\ adjective

—

contrastingly

play \kən-ˈtra-stiŋ-lē, ˈkän-ˌtra-\ adverb

See contrast defined for English-language learners

See contrast defined for kids

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 of contrast from the Web

Screaming football fans impersonating rock star groupies as head coach Lane Kiffin and his players exit their team bus is perfectly contrasted by Gene Wilder singing an iconic song from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

— michelle r. martinelli, For The Win, "College football season is 50 days away, and Lane Kiffin and FAU are already winning," 13 July 2018
The president's approach to NATO contrasts greatly with that of his own Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

— kathryn watson, CBS News, ""What good is NATO?" Trump criticizes Germany and other allies at summit," 11 July 2018
That approach contrasts the public opposition Trump voiced to the AT&T purchase of Time Warner, which owns CNN.

— sarah ellison, Philly.com, "Rupert Murdoch: The media mogul says goodbye to much of the company he built," 2 July 2018
Sachs contrasted this rigidity from the Trump administration on a state’s proposal to lower drug prices with their overeagerness to allow states to institute work requirements and other restrictions on Medicaid benefits.

— dylan scott, Vox, "Another mystery in Trump’s missing promise to bring down drug prices," 2 July 2018
Poland's laboured approach was contrasted by a lively and energetic Japan side who seemed far more likely to create anything than their opponents for much of the game.

— SI.com, "Japan 0-1 Poland: Samurai Blue Through on Fair Play After Drab Defeat in Volgograd," 28 June 2018
The reflective red hat contrasted with two drapes, one also reflective but mixed with blue, the other with a pattern that fractured in the folds of the cloth.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "Old In Art School," 20 June 2018
Motor and Deano have starkly contrasting coaching styles.

— dave barry, miamiherald, "Dave Barry: On Father's Day, don't forget the soccer dads — or their 'warrior' daughters," 14 June 2018
At various points in the film, Livingston contrasts the drag performers with ordinary, affluent New Yorkers, walking down busy Manhattan sidewalks.

— noel murray, The Verge, "Get ready for Ryan Murphy’s Pose by watching Paris is Burning this weekend," 1 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contrast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of contrast

French contraster, from Middle French, to oppose, resist, alteration of contrester, from Vulgar Latin *contrastare, from Latin contra- + stare to stand — more at stand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1646

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

contrast Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

contrast

noun con·trast \ ˈkän-ˌtrast \

Definition of contrast

1 a : juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (such as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of art

b : degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture

2 a : the difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures

the contrast between the two forms of government

b : comparison of similar objects to set off their dissimilar qualities

By contrast with newer models, the computer operates slowly.

: the state of being so compared

In contrast to the other estimates, his was very high.

3 : a person or thing that exhibits differences when compared with another

The gentle girl is a contrast to the arrogant woman.

See contrast defined for English-language learners

Examples of contrast in a Sentence

I observed an interesting contrast in the teaching styles of the two women.
Careful contrast of the twins shows some differences.
In contrast to last year's profits, the company is not doing very well.
The queen's wit and humor made the prince seem dull by contrast.
They spent millions of dollars on advertising. By way of contrast, our small company spent under 5,000 dollars.