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
Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Bees also easily detect the difference between light and dark, so patterns like a dark bull's eye in the center of a red poppy will attract them.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Rushmere, released last March, was their first as a trio after guitarist and banjoist Winston Marshall left the band in part due to political differences with his bandmates.
—William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2026
In parallel, Medicare and Medicaid set payment increases well below the cost of delivering care, driving hospitals and physicians to make up the difference by charging higher rates to the privately insured.
—Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difference
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Noun
Grimes was also dealing with the off-screen drama that impacted production due to logistical and creative differences between Costner and Sheridan.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Bees also easily detect the difference between light and dark, so patterns like a dark bull's eye in the center of a red poppy will attract them.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Rushmere, released last March, was their first as a trio after guitarist and banjoist Winston Marshall left the band in part due to political differences with his bandmates.
—William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2026
In parallel, Medicare and Medicaid set payment increases well below the cost of delivering care, driving hospitals and physicians to make up the difference by charging higher rates to the privately insured.
—Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difference
Cite this Entry
“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/difference. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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