1
as in diversity
the quality or state of being different
there's a great difference between claiming to care about the environment and living like you really do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dispute
variance of opinion on a matter
we must try to settle our differences without fighting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in change
the act, process, or result of making different
it won't make any difference which one you choose
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to differentiate
to understand or point out the difference in
people who cannot difference God's will from their own selfish desires and prejudices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of difference
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
But there are some key differences.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year.
—Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017
See All Example Sentences for difference
Noun
This mindset encompasses perseverance, loyalty, embracing differences, displaying an openness to personal growth and strong conflict-resolution skills, including the willingness to seek help when necessary.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
But there are some key differences.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
Special teams difference After a penalty-free first period, the Wings had a power play 6:58 into the second period.
—Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year.
—Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017
See All Example Sentences for difference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difference
Noun
-
While rooted in good intentions to promote diversity and sensitivity, the movement has evolved into a moral panic that risks stifling creativity and narrowing the bounds of free expression.—
Kevin Dickinson,
Big Think,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The 2023 article also said that gender diversity contributes to greater prioritization of corporate social responsibility, social performance and social innovation.—
Vidya Plainfield,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nearly a year after being removed from Lincoln Heights' village council over a tax dispute, a leading community activist has had his seat restored by a state appeals court.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
How the courts and legislatures balance the rights of the majority and minority in these disputes over the place of the Ten Commandments in public life may go a long way toward shaping the future of religious freedom in American public education.—
Lydia Artz,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In November 2016, two of Boeing’s 737 MAX flight technical pilots discovered information about an important change to the control system part.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Royals shift starting rotation plans The Royals made a late change regarding Thursday’s starter.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Training Day star attributed the shift in how people came to pronounce his name to his mother, who needed a way to differentiate between him and his father, who shares the same name.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The rule dates back to the 19th century and was founded by old-money circles in the Northeast to differentiate themselves from the nouveau riche trying to infiltrate the social elite.—
Starr Bowenbank,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This led to a fierce competition with the other big name of 1980s Italian fashion, Gianni Versace, whose dazzling style stood in stark contrast to Armani’s typically understated looks.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The white skirt portion of the dress provided a bold contrast to the top and was covered in oversized black polka dots.—
Starr Bowenbank,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The continuing controversy has prompted comments from many stars of Allen's films.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The Employee Retention Tax Credit also resulted in lots of new tax controversy work that didn’t exist before the credit was added with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Research suggests this disruption may stem from alterations in normal neurodevelopmental processes that happen as adolescents mature — especially since the higher end of the typical age range of onset is when the brain completes maturation, D’Souza said.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
-
While alteration costs can vary depending on what your dress needs, some places require a flat fee.—
Ana Teresa Solá,
CNBC,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Contest categories distinguish between quilts made for beds, walls and laps and those quilted by hand or by machine, among other techniques and qualifications.—
Connor Giffin,
The Courier-Journal,
26 Aug. 2025
-
The next phase will work in the space of education, helping medical professionals better understand burnout — both what drives it and how to distinguish it from underlying mental health issues.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difference. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share