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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Nik Popli, Time, 22 May 2025
However, the numbers show for the last two years the Dolphins’ run game doesn’t make much of a difference in the game’s outcome.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
But that’s largely attributed to the singular genius of coach Bill Belichick, who is famous for his ability to adapt his game plan and players to difference situations each week.
—Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for difference
Noun
Trump had invited House Speaker Mike Johnson and key holdouts to meet at the White House to bridge their differences.
—Nik Popli, Time, 22 May 2025
However, the numbers show for the last two years the Dolphins’ run game doesn’t make much of a difference in the game’s outcome.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Verb
Special teams difference After a penalty-free first period, the Wings had a power play 6:58 into the second period.
—Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
But that’s largely attributed to the singular genius of coach Bill Belichick, who is famous for his ability to adapt his game plan and players to difference situations each week.
—Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for difference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difference
Noun
-
These significant enrollment declines not only jeopardize the future of Black families but also diminish the diversity of our workforce.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
This affected the prairie’s biological diversity as rivers were rerouted, synthetic nitrogen became a standard fertilizer and the delicate symbiosis of the prairie was uprooted.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Lee-Gardner became involved in the dispute and is accused of hitting the homeowner in her head with a pistol.—
Mike Stunson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2025
-
This dispute is one of several signs revealing a worsening relationship between the two leaders, reflecting broader disagreements on Iran, regional conflicts, economic policy, and diplomatic priorities.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
The guidance change blindsided the CDC, which did not receive a directive to alter its recommendations until hours after Kennedy's video posted.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
-
And while the pace of change is faster than what most people and enterprises can keep up with, the clear winners will be those that lead the future of work with AI, and prepare people to thrive alongside it.—
Sol Rashidi,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
Some teenagers are considering professional certifications and skill-building courses to differentiate themselves and build their resumes.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count.—
Sam Mednick,
Christian Science Monitor,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
By contrast, the hooded orioles build deep pouch or pendant nests that are sewn into place with the fibers from palm fronds.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
-
Rihanna, by contrast, emerged as their modernized little sister who was young, polished, and strategically backed and ready to channel this island swag through the lens of a rising global pop star.—
Ime Ekpo,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Noun
-
However, California is far from the only state that saw its girls' track and field championships overshadowed by trans athlete controversy.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2025
-
Salgado’s pictures were also freighted with their fair share of controversy.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
This alteration is a win for hardliners who have for days been pushing for steeper spending cuts to be included in the package.—
John Parkinson,
ABC News,
22 May 2025
-
Razor was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, weapons in a motor vehicle, alteration of a serial number, operating under suspension and possession of narcotics.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
With the right intelligence, firms can distinguish fraudsters from legitimate customers and still deliver great digital journeys.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
In his book The Spirit Molecule, about the first modern study that administered DMT to humans, the psychiatrist Rick Strassman uses a TV metaphor to distinguish the drug’s effects from those of other psychoactive substances.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difference. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share