contrast

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

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

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

—

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

Fletcher’s campaign rejects the establishment label, contrasting her lifelong legal career in Houston to Moser’s move to Washington.

— kevin diaz, Houston Chronicle, "Democratic runoff foes differ on best way to oust Republican incumbent Culberson," 9 Apr. 2018
Come prepared with two contrasting Shakespeare monologues, no longer that three minutes in total length, or a scene to read from either production.

— mark rapp, cleveland.com, "Cleveland theater's auditions for April 6 and Beyond: Cleveland Shakespeare Festival's Free Outdoor Theater ("Troilus and Cressida" and "Twelfth Night") & More," 6 Apr. 2018
Oosthuizen,whose classically beautiful swing starkly contrasted Watson's homemade move,missed the fairway to the right but seemed to have the advantage.

— daniel rapaport, SI.com, "Best Masters Memories From the Past 20 Years: No. 4 - Bubba's Rope Hook in the Playoff," 1 Apr. 2018
This bright and flavorful salad gets pops of contrasting color and taste from sweet orange slices, succulent shrimp, and salty green olives.

— woman's day kitchen, Woman's Day, "Zesty Shrimp Salad with Couscous," 9 Mar. 2018
So here are some other wool coats with contrasting details that are kind of like it!

— rachel torgerson, Cosmopolitan, "Meghan Markle Just Wore a Very Stylish, Very Affordable J. Crew Coat," 8 Mar. 2018
Lately she's been using dark trim to contrast with light walls, or greige trim to make white walls pop.

— jessica leigh mattern, Country Living, "10 Things I Learned When I Took a Design Workshop with Joanna Gaines," 6 Mar. 2018
Audience participation is encouraged throughout Roberts’ story that details contrasting perspectives of two of his Civil War ancestors.

— lisa gueli regnante, Howard County Times, "Bring your appetite for soup and chili to upcoming events [Ellicott City]," 1 Mar. 2018
This is important to keep in mind as many prominent liberals continue to contrast Trump—whose overtly racist and xenophobic comments often resemble alt-right positions—with more restrained Republican politicians.

— j.c. pan, The New Republic, "Alternative History," 1 Mar. 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.