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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The unit has an influx of talent in Proctor, Miami’s 2026 first-round pick, as well as promising pieces like Paul and Savaiianae, the latter of whom’s return to the right side could be a huge difference-maker. — Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The only difference was the amount of cayenne pepper in the salsa. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 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
  • It is particularly aimed at improving diversity in the sector through targeting young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, female and non-binary individuals and those from ethnic minorities.
    — Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • But African populations carry more diverse segments and some that are distinct, a consequence of some of the diversity that was lost when only a fraction of the total population expanded into Eurasia.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • Rezaei accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding and launching attacks without first referring the issue to the dispute resolution committee.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The latest dispute in House centers on whether the College Sports Commission has the authority to review NIL agreements involving multimedia rights companies.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • Transforming a military barracks into a luxury hotel isn’t an easy task, particularly when the building, dating from 1699, is so historic that structural changes are forbidden.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • When brand new entry-level telescopes start at a few hundred dollars, the idea of getting anything decent for pocket change sounds like a pipe dream.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • Charlotte is considering new electric bike regulations that could restrict where the vehicles are allowed and more clearly differentiate between low-speed and high-speed options that carry greater safety risks.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Features that once differentiated a product quickly become industry standards.
    — Jessica Wong, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of differentiate
Noun
  • In a portfolio of consumer brands, each brand's value lies substantially in its distinctiveness.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Ultimately, though, distinctiveness is an asset for an action star.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
Noun
  • The next few items on Takaichi’s agenda – the anti-espionage law and the foreign intelligence service – will likely court even more controversy.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Ancelotti selected the former Barcelona winger for the tournament despite controversy over his fitness and form, having only made 15 appearances for Santos before the World Cup this year.
    — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of controversy
Noun
  • That change will be accompanied by significant alterations to the competition structure, which includes divisions and a new postseason format.
    — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Some alterations were made for the WPBL, including a temporary outfield fence that shortened the center field fence from 415 to 330 feet and other dimensions accordingly.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of alteration
Verb
  • In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • If the tax result is largely the same whether Buffett gives now or later, what actually distinguishes one billionaire’s giving from another’s?
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 30 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of difference for Spanish Speakers

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