Definition of differentialnext
as in discriminatory
favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work

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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 differential Privacy-enhancing technologies — including differential privacy, federated learning, homomorphic encryption and confidential computing — allow organizations to derive insights from information while reducing exposure of personally identifiable data. David Henkin, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 The system uses a bottom tank to store 32 kilograms of FLiNaK salt, which is pushed into an upper primary tank via differential pressure to mimic radioactive core conditions. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 If necessary, tiebreakers include head-to-head matchups, point differential, total points and, if needed, a random drawing. Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state. New York Times, 30 June 2026 Those European sides knew that a German victory by no more than 2-0 would advance both teams based on goal differential. Pete Grathoff june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 While that ruling pertained only to admissions, the administration last winter notified schools that any differential treatment based on race was unconstitutional. Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 If Argentina slips up at any point in the group stage before this match, expect the score to be run up to catch up on goal differential. Nick Harris june 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2026 The truck also includes a 190-A alternator, rear differential lock, trailer brakes, reverse camera and Sync 4 infotainment system. New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for differential
Adjective
  • When those tariffs expired last month, the president issued another round of global tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is meant to combat unfair or discriminatory economic practices by other nations.
    Reuters, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, schools will no longer be investigated for disproportionately disciplining students of color as long as their policies are not explicitly discriminatory.
    Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The current administration filed its latest tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which states the president can enact levies against other nations in response to their unfair trade practices, The New York Times reported.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • This week wasn’t a total loss for SerpApi and Perplexity AI, which did manage to get Reddit’s unjust enrichment and unfair competition claims tossed, since they were both preempted by the Copyright Act.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026

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“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/differential. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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