differed; differing
ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ 
1
a
: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
The law of one state differs from that of another.
b
: to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary
The number of cookies in a box may differ.
2
: to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree
They differ on political matters.
I beg to differ with your interpretation.
Examples of differ in a Sentence
The two schools differ in their approach to discipline.
my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money
Recent Examples on the Web
The accounts from the two men were reiterated by their family members in interviews and livestream videos of their 911 calls, which differed from DHS’ statement.
—
Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
In court, the ICE officer's account of the moments before the shooting differed significantly from testimony from the two defendants and three eyewitnesses.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
In saliva samples from 628 adults, researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi found that people living with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome, one that differs not just in species, but in what those microbes are actively doing.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Interestingly, the concrete differed from standard Roman concrete, as these ancient builders combined tuff, basalt, and limestone, Archaeology News reports.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for differ
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Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
In court, the ICE officer's account of the moments before the shooting differed significantly from testimony from the two defendants and three eyewitnesses.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
In saliva samples from 628 adults, researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi found that people living with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome, one that differs not just in species, but in what those microbes are actively doing.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Interestingly, the concrete differed from standard Roman concrete, as these ancient builders combined tuff, basalt, and limestone, Archaeology News reports.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for differ
Cite this Entry
“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
differ
verb
dif·fer
ˈdif-ər
differed; differing
ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ
1
: to be not the same : be unlike
brothers who differ in looks
2
: disagree sense 2
differ only on one issue
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