Synonyms of contrast

contrast 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtrast 

as in difference

the quality or state of being different

the contrast between the two approaches to the problem of overeating could not be greater

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difference
• distinctness
• distinctiveness
• diversity
• distinction
• disparity
• dissimilarity
• distance
• disagreement
• discrepancy
• diverseness
• divergence
• unlikeness
• dissimilitude
• variation
• disparateness
• otherness
• variability
• change
• modification
• dichotomy
• deviance
• variance
• imbalance
• friction
• incongruity
• distinguishability
• differentiability
• conflict
• discord
• discordance
• dissent
• disproportion
• incongruence
• inequality
• strife
• disunity
• discriminability
• dissension
• incompatibility
• incongruousness
• dissidence
• nonconformity
• anomalousness
• nonequivalence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similarity
• analogy
• resemblance
• community
• likeness
• sameness
• identity
• accordance
• agreement
• correspondence
• conformity
• parallelism
• alikeness
• analogousness
• congruity
• similitude
• equality
• equivalence
• uniformity
• identicalness
• equivalency
• homogeneity
• homogeneousness

contrast

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrast 

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

• differ
• vary
• divide
• separate
• diverge
• deviate
• fluctuate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compare
• match
• agree
• correspond
• conform
• accord

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

Recent Examples of contrast

Noun

The contrast between her district and the city overall offered Raman an angle to present herself as more effectively handling the homelessness crisis than Bass. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

In contrast, European countries are losing ground, with access to 70% or less of novel drugs, often with delays of a year or more. — Roderick Wong, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Verb

Yes, there’s salted caramel in it, but that’s contrasted with frankincense, sandalwood, and cypriol to avoid the scent becoming confectionary. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Samsung and Meta’s contrasting results highlighted the diverging fortunes of the companies supplying — and paying for — the AI buildout. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 30 July 2026