Synonyms of contrast

contrast 1 of 4

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 4

verb (1)

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

contrasting

3 of 4

adjective

as in different

Related Words

• different
• disparate
• contrasted
• incomparable
• dissimilar
• unmatched
• mock
• unlike
• phony
• sham
• fake
• unalike
• unnatural
• unrealistic
• off
• nonrealistic
• nonnatural

Dissimilar Words

• natural
• similar
• realistic
• naturalistic
• near
• living
• three-dimensional
• matching
• like
• lifelike
• comparable
• analogous
• alike
• photo-realistic
• approximate
• akin
• verisimilar
• resembling

contrasting

4 of 4

verb (2)

present participle of contrast

as in differing

to be unlike; to not be the same

her depressed mood today contrasts sharply with her good spirits yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• differing
• varying
• dividing
• fluctuating
• diverging
• separating
• deviating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• comparing
• matching
• according
• corresponding
• agreeing
• conforming

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

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

This new reality stands in contrast to Trump’s ability to move markets throughout his first term and into the outset of his second. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026

By contrast, laws that appear designed to impede on a religion have been struck down. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

Verb

But bolder lip art—featuring high-contrasting colors, metallic (and often iridescent) finishes, and whimsical details—have been showing up on feeds, runways, and in the concert performances of your favorite pop stars. —Jessica Fields, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026

For a burst of contrasting sweetness, toss in some pomegranate seeds along with a drizzle of hot honey and a tuft of fresh mint too. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Tyla’s bold look wholly centered her jacket, featuring shells with a shine of muted golds and silver throughout to accentuate the style and add contrasting tones to the overall look. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025

Solid colorways can be mixed and matched, while contrasting edge-trim ensures these never fall flat on your tablescape. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025

Verb

Looking for joy is a good way to bond with one another, though contrasting energy arrives in the Moon’s face-off with Pluto, asking us to balance attention with power-sharing. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026

In a noisy scene outside the Manhattan courthouse, contrasting groups of demonstrators chanted, blew horns and beat drums and cowbells. —Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026