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
There are many ways to make a difference, like donating blood or platelets, volunteering your time, or showing up for a friend.
—
Maureen Carrig, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
An elite talent — or even just one specific elite trait — tends to make a difference.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Even a few inches can make a difference.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Legally, that doesn't make a difference.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a difference
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Maureen Carrig, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
An elite talent — or even just one specific elite trait — tends to make a difference.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Even a few inches can make a difference.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Legally, that doesn't make a difference.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2025.
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