difference 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce difference (audio)
Definition of differencenext
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

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dispute
variance of opinion on a matter we must try to settle our differences without fighting

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

difference

2 of 2

verb

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

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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
Noun
Part of the difference may be that people who are already more financially secure are also more likely to be able to afford homes in Union. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 The difference between a good relationship and a great relationship could boil down to one formula. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
These bottles make a strong case that differences in blending, barrel treatment, and proof can yield dramatically different aroma and flavor profiles. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 While every call is different, there are many things that remains the same, including the camaraderie and community and difference their work is making. — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for difference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difference
  1. diversity
  2. dispute
  3. change
  4. differentiate
  5. distinctiveness
  6. controversy
  7. alteration
  8. distinguish
Noun
  • And even between national and the New York City chapter, there’s diversity.
    — Mark Guiducci, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
  • For high-end travelers, this diversity of experiences means a reservation at a restaurant is no longer the only reason to come to Mexico City.
    — Mary Holland, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • But the movement has widened to include workers demanding relief from rising living costs, making the government’s task broader than resolving a dispute over university admissions.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Debt, the deficit and high interest rates limit the government’s ability to increase spending and foreshadow disputes over how to fund campaign promises without jeopardizing social programs.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • People heading into the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period with plans to sign up for insurance should expect a variety of changes in 2027, including higher premiums and fewer coverage options.
    — Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The second-generation prototype, Max 2, is expected to incorporate several hardware changes.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • Brands need to inject an extra something into their clothing to differentiate.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
  • What differentiates this unsparing epic from the scores of other stories about the Greatest Generation, however, is that some of its characters are good at football.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of differentiate
Noun
  • Yet, Farrow, Martin and Vega nail the distinctiveness of being a millennial.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The first Captain America movie used this quality of his well, but his character’s distinctiveness gradually faded in subsequent Marvel entries.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
Noun
  • The Republican nominee defended the political ad until it was pulled by the campaign, while Acton used the controversy to her advantage.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Although the film is not true to some parts of the book, which caused some controversy among staunch King fans, Kubrick does bring to life the terrors King so aptly wrote about, including domestic abuse, isolation, helplessness, and alcoholism.
    — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of controversy
Noun
  • The past two games were played at the NBA Atlanta Hawks' State Farm Arena and brought in 17,000 fans for each thanks to some schedule alterations, compromise and cooperation from both Atlanta franchises.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • And, yes, this rendition represented a lyrical alteration by the Tonji that departed from the traditional wording of the French national anthem.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of alteration
Verb
  • Defense challenges claims of disruption Sabatini sought to undermine the university’s account by distinguishing between students feeling frightened and actual interruptions to academic activities.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Yet the reporting does not clearly distinguish between regional conditions that increase risk and findings establishing why these buildings developed mold.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinguish

Browse Nearby Words

differed (over)
difference
differenced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difference. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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