contrast

verb

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con·trast | \ kən-ˈtrast

, ˈkän-ˌtrast

contrasted; contrasting; contrasts

Definition of contrast

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

contrast

noun

con·trast | \ ˈkän-ˌtrast

Definition of contrast (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : 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

2a : 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.

Other Words from contrast Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing contrast Learn More About contrast

Other Words from contrast

Verb

contrastable \ kən-ˈtra-stə-bəl

, ˈkän-ˌtra- \ adjective

contrastingly \ kən-ˈtra-stiŋ-lē

, ˈkän-ˌtra- \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for contrast

Verb

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

Verb Her black dress and the white background contrast sharply. We compared and contrasted the two characters of the story. Noun 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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb But to acknowledge Acosta’s time at Atlas is to also contrast it against how his life in the game, and life in general, has progressed. — Pat Brennan, The Enquirer, 11 Aug. 2022 Even contrast it with a limited partnership where the limited partners have no liability, but the entity itself and only the general partners have liability. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 27 June 2022 The song draws inspiration from Prince and George Michael and incorporates funk falsettos that contrast with the singer's signature raspy voice. — Marysabel Huston-crespo, CNN, 30 July 2022 AP Design House's neutral bedroom is punctuated by eye-catching metal sculptures and chrome accents that play up the cool tones and contrast the warmer neutrals. — Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 29 July 2022 In terms of decor, Bosco is replete with decidedly posh furnishings that elegantly contrast charming original features, such as brass portholes, oak paneling and parquetry flooring. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 July 2022 The president sought to use the address to contrast his approach to the pandemic with the former Trump administration. — Ken Thomas, WSJ, 27 July 2022 Get creative and incorporate light neutrals throughout the room to contrast with dark tones. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2022 The pieces of art on display are meant to contrast each other in thought-provoking ways. — Tara Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Tech’s hiring freezes and pessimistic predictions stand in stark contrast to the companies’ traditionally bulletproof reputations for untrammeled growth, prompting concerns from some economists and Wall Street investors. — Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 23 July 2022 Tech’s hiring freezes and pessimistic predictions stand in stark contrast to the companies’ traditionally bulletproof reputations for untrammeled growth, prompting concerns from some economists and Wall Street investors. — Rachel Lerman And Gerrit De Vynck, Anchorage Daily News, 23 July 2022 That speculation added to the early July media circus that had begun to surround the family and stood in stark contrast to the family image that was portrayed on TikTok in front of millions of fans. — Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 22 July 2022 The pair of Republicans competing for their party's nomination stand in stark contrast to one another in their visions about the role and scope of the treasury. — Ben Baker, Journal Sentinel, 21 July 2022 That number stands in stark contrast to white evangelical Protestants, who register at 73%. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2022 This, of course, stands in stark contrast to companies like Facebook and Google. — Yoni Heisler, BGR, 18 July 2022 What looks surprising, for a category that has shown year-over-year growth every year since 2008, is the mere 1% growth posted by vinyl, in stark contrast to the 108.2% burst shown in H1 2021, and 51.4% growth earned throughout the year. — Geoff Mayfield, Variety, 14 July 2022 But the actions – or inaction – of these officers stand in stark contrast to the heroism displayed by others under similar circumstances. — Frank T. Mcandrew, The Conversation, 12 July 2022 See More

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.