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 religious 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
At-home genetic screening differs significantly from popular ancestry tests, which focus on tracing heritage or uncovering distant royal connections.
—
Kara Markley Sterling, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
Since Trump took office, ICE and the White House have been releasing daily reports on the number of immigrants arrested or placed under immigration detainers—figures that differ from the actual number of deportations.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
While everyone’s priority list differs, Walmart has options for every household, cleaning project, and budget — including one model that’s powerful enough to tackle anything.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
What will Beef season 2 be about? Road rage will not be at the center of the second season, which will this time around follow dual couples and be a possible indictment on differing social classes.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for differ 
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Kara Markley Sterling, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
Since Trump took office, ICE and the White House have been releasing daily reports on the number of immigrants arrested or placed under immigration detainers—figures that differ from the actual number of deportations.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
While everyone’s priority list differs, Walmart has options for every household, cleaning project, and budget — including one model that’s powerful enough to tackle anything.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
What will Beef season 2 be about? Road rage will not be at the center of the second season, which will this time around follow dual couples and be a possible indictment on differing social classes.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for differ
Dictionary Entries Near differ
Cite this Entry
“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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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