make a difference
idiom
1
: to cause a change : to be important in some way
Cost can make a difference in deciding on a college.
Your help made a big difference.
It may not matter to you, but it makes a world of difference to me.
2
: to do something that is important : to do something that helps people or makes the world a better place
She says that she got into politics because she wanted to make a difference.
Examples of make a difference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But Percy also seems to feel that showing us the texture and shared features of human experience might be the crucial thing that can make a difference.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Planning a reward system for meal success can also make a difference.
—Dr. Ellen S. Rome, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
However, there is hope that new funding from the state for research at institutions like the University of Pittsburgh will make a difference in combating them.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025
As the review pointed out, policy measures such as taxing sugary products, clear food labeling, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children and shifting subsidies away from the most polluting foods can make a difference.
—Royson Valliyil, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a difference
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Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Planning a reward system for meal success can also make a difference.
—Dr. Ellen S. Rome, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
However, there is hope that new funding from the state for research at institutions like the University of Pittsburgh will make a difference in combating them.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025
As the review pointed out, policy measures such as taxing sugary products, clear food labeling, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children and shifting subsidies away from the most polluting foods can make a difference.
—Royson Valliyil, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a difference
Cite this Entry
“Make a difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20difference. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.
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