contrast

1 of 2

verb

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 How to pronounce contrast (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtra-
adjective
contrastingly
kən-ˈtra-stiŋ-lē How to pronounce contrast (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtra-
adverb

contrast

2 of 2

noun

con·​trast ˈkän-ˌtrast How to pronounce contrast (audio)
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.
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

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The filling contrasts the soft, white meringue atop the pie, encrusted in the baked sheen and ready to be enjoyed by patrons at Margie's Kitchen. The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024 The shade contrasted beautifully with her metallic gown and mirrored the soft, peachy tones of her makeup. Dianna Mazzone Singh, Allure, 10 Mar. 2024 But in contrasting himself with his challenger and making his case for a second term, Biden occasionally strayed from the truth. Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 His corny jokes landed; his pleas for bipartisan dealmaking sounded genuine and constructive—and contrasted well with the Republican hecklers newly ascendant in the House. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024 These two contrasting creators, with their differing backgrounds, nationalities & musical careers, make up the dance music duo RHYME SO. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Markets have whipsawed between new highs and precipitous drops as contrasting economic data cause confusion about what the Fed will do next. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 The answer will undoubtedly drive much of the talk at June’s Worldwide Developer Conference, where Apple will attempt to kickstart its visible AI endeavours and contrast them with desktop and mobile software for countless rival manufacturers. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Or, contrast the sweetness of the vegetables by sprinkling them with fresh herbs, spicy sauce or a squeeze of tangy lemon juice. Ali Slagle, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024
Noun
By contrast, Hayes has played up his roots in East County and pledged to deliver for constituents despite Democratic control at the state Capitol. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 By contrast, net lending for real estate was $800 billion in 2019 but shrank $75 billion last year. Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 By contrast, Europe’s current largest heat pump installer — Germany’s Thermondo — aimed to sell around 10,000 units in 2023, according to the European Heat Pump Association. Olivia Rudgard, Fortune Europe, 12 Mar. 2024 Displays of weakness, by contrast, embolden aggressors. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024 By contrast, Tenenbaum’s book never meaningfully acknowledges how foundational race is to desire. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 By contrast, the overall index could cool a lot if housing prices fall even slightly. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 By contrast, Gladstone’s performance, though no less accomplished, depends more on inner qualities and the ability to convey thought and feeling by sheer presence. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 By contrast, families and friends of 9/11 victims became and remained more politically engaged than their peers. Spencer Goidel, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contrast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

borrowed from French contraste, borrowed from Italian contrasto "debate, discord, juxtaposition of elements in a work of art," noun derivative of contrastare "to oppose, set against, be in opposition (of elements of a work of art)" — more at contrast entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1646, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrast was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near contrast

Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrast. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

contrast

1 of 2 verb
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 How to pronounce contrast (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on contrast

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