Synonyms of difference

difference 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in dispute

variance of opinion on a matter

we must try to settle our differences without fighting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispute
• controversy
• debate
• disagreement
• disputation
• difficulty
• nonconcurrence
• contention
• dissension
• contestation
• firestorm
• conflict
• dissensus
• clash
• argument
• struggle
• dissonance
• confliction
• discord
• collision
• quarrel
• misunderstanding
• fight
• strife
• combat
• altercation
• disaccord
• divarication
• division
• apartness
• falling-out
• set-to
• kickup
• bicker

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• consensus
• harmony
• acceptance
• compliance
• accord
• unanimity
• peace
• concord

3

as in change

the act, process, or result of making different

it won't make any difference which one you choose

Synonyms & Similar Words

• change
• alteration
• modification
• variation
• shift
• amendment
• revision
• adjustment
• revise
• remodeling
• transformation
• fluctuation
• redesign
• mutation
• review
• reworking
• reform
• remaking
• revamping
• redoing
• refashioning
• distortion
• correction
• deformation
• conversion
• oscillation
• metamorphosis
• displacement
• substitution
• rectification
• replacement
• modulation
• tweak
• transfiguration
• regulation
• redo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stabilization
• fixation

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• differentiate
• distinguish
• discern
• discriminate
• separate
• understand
• secern
• know
• comprehend
• contradistinguish
• set off
• divide
• grasp
• mark (off)
• sever
• part
• demarcate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confuse
• mix (up)
• mistake
• lump (together)
• confound
• mingle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of difference

Noun

But with name, image and likeness licensing money and the transfer portal part of the new reality of college sports, the difference between college and the NFL has never been smaller. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

The very thing that makes Hafley grin could be a difference-maker for the Dolphins throughout the 2026 season. — Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 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