differently

adverb

dif·​fer·​ent·​ly ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt-lē How to pronounce differently (audio)
ˈdi-fərnt-
Synonyms of differentlynext
1
: in a different manner
2
: otherwise

Synonyms of differently

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Examples of differently in a Sentence

we do things differently around here
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Anything that no longer earns its place in the portfolio should be sold, separated, or run differently. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Wilson’s review was written without much consideration for what movies do differently from their source material. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026 But even within hedge funds, long/short act very differently than systemic clients and multi-managers like Citadel and Millennium. — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 The mercury telluride colloidal quantum dots the Chinese team picked for their device behave differently. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for differently

Word History

Etymology

Middle English differentliche, differently, from different different entry 1 + -liche, -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of differently was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing differently

Rhymes for differently

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Browse Nearby Words

differentiator
differently
differently abled
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Cite this Entry

“Differently.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differently. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on differently

Nglish: Translation of differently for Spanish Speakers

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