contrast 1 of 2

Definition of contrastnext

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
India’s software sector, by contrast, is vulnerable to the growing use of AI in place of programmers and the country lacks major players in AI infrastructure, models, or chips, driving foreign investors to slash their exposure to its stock market. semafor.com, 29 May 2026 In contrast, a green placard means a restaurant passed inspection. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Verb
Mueller has campaigned on his response to the urgent housing and water needs of the coastal communities, while Jimenez has contrasted himself against Mueller with his background as a farmworker and an ardent activist for coastal rural communities in the county. Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 Along with a looser framing, shadow and contrast highlight loneliness and emotional ambiguity. Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrast
Noun
  • Even a middle school student would perceive a stark difference between someone who voices a bogus theory and someone who acts on it.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The shooting also raised questions about differences in security approaches between major public events.
    Ben Wheeler May 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Bonner — whose son Sean, who took his own life in 2018 while in college a little more than two years after graduating from Charlotte Latin School — says distress often eventually reveals itself in some form, even if the warning signs differ dramatically from person to person.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
  • Choa suggested their differing filmmaking styles and paths were complementary.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In this role, Ken will lead CNBC Digital and help elevate the ambition, distinctiveness and impact of our journalism across platforms.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 May 2026
  • Success, for us is distinctiveness — being recognized by our design language alone and known as a brand with a clear point of view, forming the right partnerships, and on a more human level, coming back with new ideas and the momentum to keep designing.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Most recently, late neoliberalism revived a central aspect of 1970s pluralism, retooled as representative diversity—once again under the pressure of political activism, which reckoned with decades of racially exclusionary collecting, exhibiting, and hiring practices at art institutions.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • As a result, seed diversity and resiliency have been compromised and control of seed has moved away from farmers and local communities to large corporations.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • For museums and galleries, diversity replaced criticality as the primary criterion of social distinction, the way to demonstrate participation in a progressive critique of the social order.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • The nearest town has the odd distinction of being renowned for ox-cart making.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrast. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrast

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster