dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing
differential characteristics
b
: making a distinction between individuals or classes
differential tax rates
c
: based on or resulting from a differential
d
: functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
differential melting
2
mathematics
: being, relating to, or involving a differential (see differential entry 2 sense 1) or differentiation
3
physics
a
: relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)
b
: producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
1
mathematics
a
: the product (see product sense 1) of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable
b
: a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function
2
: a difference between comparable individuals or classes
a price differential
also
: the amount of such a difference
3
a
: a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (such as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other
a locking rear differential
b
: a case covering such an assembly
Examples of differential in a Sentence
Adjective
did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work
Recent Examples on the Web
Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
With that differential, suburban lawmakers may hold the key to funding and governance proposals in Springfield.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Their run differential of plus-47 is the seventh-highest in the entire league.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
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Adjective
In that differential, balance sheets either hemorrhage or flex.
—Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
With that differential, suburban lawmakers may hold the key to funding and governance proposals in Springfield.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Noun
Two second-half goals turned the result into a blowout, and put the U.S. comfortably on top of the Group D via goal differential – Saudi Arabia edged Haiti 1-0 in the group’s nightcap and will face the U.S. in Austin, Texas, on Thursday next.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Their run differential of plus-47 is the seventh-highest in the entire league.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
Cite this Entry
“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differential. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
differential
1 of 2 adjective
dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
a
: of, relating to, or being a difference
b
: treating some individuals or classes differently from others : discriminatory
2
: acting or proceeding differently or at a different rate
differential diffusion of molecules through a membrane
differential
2 of 2 noun1
: an amount or degree of difference between comparable things
the price differential between a small and large box of popcorn
2
: an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in going around a curve)
Medical Definition
differential
adjective
dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a difference
differential birth rates in different economic levels
2
: making a distinction between individuals or classes
differential cell counts
differential staining
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