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
Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
A number of tortilla producers have been putting folic acid in their tortillas since about 2016 and have noted no taste difference, said Jaffery.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2018
For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year.
—Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017
See All Example Sentences for difference
Noun
Surgery, in other words, made a $215,000 difference, the bulk of which could be siphoned off to lawyers and funders.
—Verb
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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for difference
Noun
-
In another example of the cultural diversity found in his work, his Revolutionary War paintings make a point of including Black regiments when applicable.—
-
Here’s my short list of the best diversity stories of the past year published in The Star.—
Noun
-
Opening arguments in a Stanford felony vandalism case began Friday amid sharp disputes over whether political views tied to Israel’s war in Gaza should factor into the trial — an issue that has shaped the case from its earliest stages.—
-
Police had initially said the shooting involved a family dispute but gave no specific details.—
Noun
-
Trump had no expectations for his meeting with Machado, the president's spokeswoman said, and wasn't seeking information from her that could speed up the timeline for change in leadership or democratic elections.—
-
Markets are callous and only react meaningfully when these events impact economic fundamentals or lead to a change in policy.—
Verb
-
But Pliyt's prototype, revealed at CES just days ago, aims to differentiate itself by turning introverts' dreams into reality.—
-
Neither film nor actor seems concerned with differentiating between reality and fiction.—
Noun
-
As to the non-final action, one problem for the A’s is that the marks fail to show enough distinctiveness.—
-
Judean culture had been transformed by Greek influence for centuries, but Antiochus attempted to quash Judean religious distinctiveness altogether.—
Noun
-
Parking problems are causing controversy in Elk Grove.—
-
Over the past year, CBS has experienced several controversies and new ownership that led to new leadership, which have some critics accusing the network of losing its credibility.—
Noun
-
Dubbed the Billion Cell Atlas, the data set shows how cells react to specific alterations.—
-
Rules governing modification of buildings located in historic districts can be similarly restrictive, and include the additional requirement that any alterations of buildings within their confines be consistent with neighborhood character.—
Verb
-
Scott has distinguished herself among the biggest individual donors by giving large, unrestricted gifts to nonprofits, often with a focus on equity or social justice.—
-
Still, his is not a name that the average person might distinguish from the reindeer.—
Cite this Entry
“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difference. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
