Definition of contrast
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
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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
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This special report will seek to unravel the causes of this irrational enmity, and to explore the contrasting internal dynamics in both countries that sustain it.
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That contrasts with a Bloomberg survey before an Energy Information Administration report Wednesday that forecasts a 3.5 million-barrel decline, which would be the 13th drop in 15 weeks.
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That result contrasts with a Post poll taken soon after the presidential election and the post-inauguration Women’s March that found Democrats more interested in increasing their involvement in politics.
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The scene contrasts with one from that other show about post-college women, a comic emblem of the Gen Y condition: when Hannah Horvath’s parents cut her off in the pilot episode of Girls.
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Use a light yellow-tinted powder, like the one in the Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette, and begin shading these areas to contrast the contour and give your face more cat-like dimension.
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The new owners have filled it with contemporary art from Warhol, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Murakami, and Ai Wei Wei–which contrasts its tropical Caribbean locale.
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A wide-eyed observer of today’s political media wouldn’t just see different voices and outlets with contrasting tendencies.
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The ornate terra cotta entrance connecting the apartment’s two towers contrasts the brown patches of grass along the parkway and casually dressed men standing outside the building.
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
Synonym Discussion of contrast
Definition of contrast
1a : juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (such as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of artb : 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 governmentb : 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.
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.
Recent Examples of contrast from the Web
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In contrast, countries with the worst suppression levels include Madagascar (3%), Pakistan (4%), Gabon (7%), Iran (8%), Egypt (12%), Lithuania (17%), Dominica (17%), Bahamas (18%), and Ecuador (19%).
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Later that same night — when golf clubs become social hubs here — the contrast was even more obvious.
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In contrast, the Part A hospital trust fund is financed mostly through payroll taxes.
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No one was reported shot in Aurora this long Fourth of July weekend, a significant contrast to last year, when police said five people were shot over the holiday weekend.
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By contrast, district elections allow minority voters to pool their votes in support of candidates that better represent them.
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Thompson, by contrast, launched a GoFundMe.com fundraising drive on June 10 which, as of Thursday afternoon, had yet to receive its first donation toward a $250,000 goal.
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In contrast to the light and fruity nature of this salad is chef Ming’s herb chevre gnocchi ($11).
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In contrast this month, U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) is strongly defending its recent roundup of 199 Iraqi immigrants nationally (114 of them in metro Detroit) with criminal records.
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
see 1contrast
CONTRAST Defined for English Language Learners
contrast
playDefinition of contrast for English Language Learners
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: to be different especially in a way that is very obvious
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: to compare (two people or things) to show how they are different
contrast
playDefinition of contrast for English Language Learners
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: something that is different from another thing
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: a difference between people or things that are being compared
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: the act of comparing people or things to show the differences between them
CONTRAST Defined for Kids
Definition of contrast for Students
contrasted
;contrasting
1 : to show noticeable differences Red contrasts with black.
2 : to compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them Contrast the styles of these two authors.
Definition of contrast for Students
1 : something that is different from another Today's weather is quite a contrast to yesterday's.
2 : difference or the amount of difference (as in color or brightness) between parts a photo with good contrast
3 : difference or amount of difference between related or similar things the contrast between summer and winter
Learn More about contrast
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See words that rhyme with contrast Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contrast Spanish Central: Translation of contrast Nglish: Translation of contrast for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contrast for Arabic speakers
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