dif·fer·ence
ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 
ˈdi-fərn(t)s
1
a
: the quality or state of being dissimilar or different
the difference between right and wrong
The new model is supposed to be better, but I can't tell the difference.
b
: an instance of being unlike or distinct in nature, form, or quality
noted the differences in color and texture
c
archaic
: a characteristic that distinguishes one from another or from the average
… an absolute gentleman, full of the most excellent differences …—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
d
: the element or factor that separates or distinguishes contrasting situations
Timing is often the difference between success and failure.
2
: distinction or discrimination in preference
3
a
: disagreement in opinion : dissension
b
: an instance or cause of disagreement
unable to settle their differences
4
: the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure
their difference in age
5
: a significant change in or effect on a situation
It makes no difference to me.
differenced; differencing
: differentiate, distinguish
… every individual has something that differences it from another …—John Locke
John LockeExamples of difference in a Sentence
Noun
She knows the difference between right and wrong.
There's no difference between the two houses. They look exactly the same.
There's a big difference in price.
Verb
people who cannot difference God's will from their own selfish desires and prejudices
Recent Examples on the Web
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
What is clear is that a lot of money has disappeared from people's food budgets, and anti-hunger advocates say that food banks alone will not be able to make up the difference.
—Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year.
—Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017
See All Example Sentences for difference
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Noun
All eyes were on how the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies would sort out their differences on a range of topics from soybeans and fentanyl to rare earth minerals and high-end computer chips.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
What is clear is that a lot of money has disappeared from people's food budgets, and anti-hunger advocates say that food banks alone will not be able to make up the difference.
—Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
Special teams difference After a penalty-free first period, the Wings had a power play 6:58 into the second period.
—Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year.
—Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017
See All Example Sentences for difference
Cite this Entry
“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/difference. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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