contrast 1 of 2

contrast

2 of 2

verb

as in to differ
to be unlike; to not be the same her depressed mood today contrasts sharply with her good spirits yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word contrast distinct from other similar verbs?

The words collate and compare are common synonyms of contrast. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

When is it sensible to use collate instead of contrast?

While the synonyms collate and contrast are close in meaning, collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

When can compare be used instead of contrast?

The words compare and contrast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

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 contrast
Noun
In contrast, Dugin’s fluency with these arguments is as formidable as his loathing for liberalism is sincere. James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025 In contrast, the James Webb Space Telescope has several observing modes that can break light into many wavelengths, but all of them are limited by the observatory’s small field of view. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
This brightly colored plant is perfect for setting off contrasting colors of yellow and orange in a garden and as a spiller in hanging baskets. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Feb. 2025 Polar opposites, the most compelling aspects of Bans’ and Krebs’ series happen when Catherine and Birdie’s personal decisions (and differing wardrobes) are contrasted with one another. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contrast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrast
Noun
  • In 2012, for example, 49% of Americans responding to the General Social Survey, a long-standing national survey that measures societal change, said Black-white differences in income, housing and jobs were due to a lack of willpower on the part of Black people.
    Karyn Vilbig, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025
  • If learning the difference in roles that wielding a switch axe has in contrast to a hammer doesn’t sound complex enough there are elemental weaknesses and resistances to keep in mind around each monster.
    Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The ranking of which project rises highest doesn’t differ from one list to the next.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Dan Crenshaw And Tucker Carlson's Relationship Explained The feud between Crenshaw and Carlson dates back several years and is rooted in their differing approaches to conservative politics.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The case comes two years after the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions programs in higher education and amid the Trump administration’s fierce efforts to root out programs that promote diversity.
    Adam Liptak, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The company’s chief diversity officer Lindsay-Rae McIntyre put forward the business case for supporting diversity and inclusion practices in a Dec. 20 LinkedIn post.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But recently, two experts have made a cogent distinction.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • With 273 career home runs and 916 RBIs, all those All-Star games and that World Series MVP distinction and five Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards, Perez has amassed the makings of a candidacy for the National Baseball Hall of Fame — where George Brett resides as the only primary Royal.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrast. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrast

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