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 Magnus Koeck, vice president of strategy and marketing for Volvo Trucks, says technology and design can make a difference. —Camila Domonoske, NPR, 24 Nov. 2025

Don’t tell the skin care minimalists, but the best eyelid-firming creams can really make a difference. —Neha Tandon, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2025

A couple of plush pillows can really make a difference. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

Little things like pedal placement, how the seats are cushioned, and where the cup holders and other amenities are placed make a difference here. —New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025

Rhymes for make a difference

• indifference