contrast 1 of 2

contrast

2 of 2

verb

as in to differ
to be unlike; to not be the same her depressed mood today contrasts sharply with her good spirits yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word contrast distinct from other similar verbs?

The words collate and compare are common synonyms of contrast. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

When is it sensible to use collate instead of contrast?

While the synonyms collate and contrast are close in meaning, collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

When can compare be used instead of contrast?

The words compare and contrast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

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 contrast
Noun
Hernández, by contrast, posted a plus-4 DRS in 449 2/3 innings in center earlier this season. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 By contrast, Republicans and Republican-leaning adults saw a drop in concern, declining from 50 percent last year to 39 percent in 2025, an 11-point decrease. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Their violence — in medieval bestiaries, unicorns are regularly said to have beef with elephants and take them down by goring their bellies — is contrasted with their gentleness towards maidens and innate understanding of purity. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025 All items in the collection are available in two colorways: Off Noir, recalling the original dark Everyone Watches Women’s Sports T-shirt, and Sail, the first contrasting lighter shade bearing the Togethxr slogan. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contrast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrast
Noun
  • But the truth is, neurological differences really are a superpower.
    As told to Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Upfront costs are also important and can make the difference for whether new power projects can be built, as the East Coast has seen lately.
    Erin Baker, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Or started a new job that differed greatly from the glossy job description?
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Married women whose names differ from their birth certificates, low-income voters, and people without passports could face significant challenges.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On April 11th, the Trump Administration sent a letter to Harvard University demanding an end to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in hiring, admissions, and programs.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The findings support the need for scientists to incorporate more diversity when crafting linguistic models, says Jixing Li, a linguist at City University Hong Kong, who was not involved in the new study.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With his first career homer, Wilson earned the distinction of blasting the A’s first home run at Sutter Health Park, doing so in the March 31 home opener vs. the Seattle Mariners.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This effectively removes the distinction between mainstream and AI stacks.
    Dinesh Subhraveti, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrast. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrast

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