contrast

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

|Updated on: 7 Jul 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

And its suburban location contrasted with the five-star urban high-rises synonymous with the Trump hotel brand, though the Trumps had hotel management experience that the Kushners lacked, and the family connection helped bring them together.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Trumps and Kushners cut ties on hotel deals that raised eyebrows," 22 June 2018
Kansas City — This sauce is characterized by its thick consistency and contrasting sweet and tangy flavors born from a blend of molasses, brown sugar, vinegar and ketchup.

— kelly vaughan, courant.com, "BBQ: A Summary Of Styles," 21 June 2018
Researchers from the University of Texas, Austin and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing compared and contrasted mouth anatomy in several ancient reptiles to their modern descendants, like bobwhite quails and alligators.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Dinosaurs Could Barely Use Their Tongues," 20 June 2018
The air about her is old-fashioned, classic even, contrasted by a wide-eyed curiosity like that of children.

— henry youtt, Billboard, "Raphaelle Lets Love Shine on 'Scream For the Light': Video Premiere," 19 June 2018
Perhaps taking fashion tips from her new sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, Meghan contrasted her high-end luxe dress with a fascinator by British high-street brand Marks & Spencer.

— monique jessen, PEOPLE.com, "It's a Royal Wedding Recycle! Meghan Markle Rewore Her Wedding Shoes with $40 Fascinator," 18 June 2018
Exactly how the two candidates will contrast — and how voters will receive their differences — remains to be revealed, Hoy said.

— joshua stewart, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Wasting no time, campaigns gearing up for November's general election," 15 June 2018
Pantzar is uniquely placed to compare and contrast.

— eve macsweeney, Vogue, "Get Your Sisu On: Katja Pantzar Tells Us How To Get Happy, Healthy, and Hardy— The Finnish Way," 11 June 2018
Compare and contrast various Bible versions to analyze the contextual influences of canons, translations and editions.

— supriya sridhar, The Courier-Journal, "State ed board approves Bible literacy standards for public schools," 6 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.