contrast

1 of 2

verb

con·​trast kən-ˈtrast  ˈkän-ˌtrast 

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 

ˈkän-ˌtra-

adjective

contrastingly

kən-ˈtra-stiŋ-lē 

ˈkän-ˌtra-

adverb

contrast

2 of 2

noun

con·​trast ˈkän-ˌtrast 

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.

Synonyms

Verb

• differ

Noun

• difference
• distinctness
• distinctiveness
• diversity
• distinction

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

All colors—black, green, pink, pistachio, red, blue, and white—have the wide lines running down the sides in contrasting colors. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

Such spending contrasts with government outlays on infrastructure that help improve an economy’s long-term potential. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025

Noun

The encouraging signals from both sides of the negotiations were a marked contrast from recent weeks, when Beijing’s announcement of new export restrictions and Trump’s reciprocal threat of staggering new tariffs threatened to plunge the world’s two largest economies back into an all-out trade war. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025

Congressional Democrats have been eagerly drawing that contrast in recent days, ripping Trump for going abroad amid a crisis at home. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025

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

1695, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing contrast

• by/in contrast
• compare and contrast
• in marked contrast to
• in stark/marked/sharp contrast with/to
• in striking contrast to/with
• phase-contrast
• phase-contrast microscope
• stand in striking contrast to/with

Kids Definition

contrast

1 of 2 verb

con·​trast kən-ˈtrast  ˈkän-ˌtrast 

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 

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