make a difference

phrase

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 our findings suggest that families, schools and communities can also make a difference simply by creating everyday opportunities for young people to feel recognized, valued and connected. — Jonathan Wright, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

But will the push to stop using products on many people's bathroom shelves make a difference to the company's bottom line? — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

In some tight races, however, the farm vote could still make a difference. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

But that doesn’t mean hormone therapy can’t make a difference in how a woman feels. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for make a difference

• indifference