contrast 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtrast How to pronounce contrast (audio)
Definition of contrastnext
as in difference
the quality or state of being different the contrast between the two approaches to the problem of overeating could not be greater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

contrast

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrast How to pronounce contrast (audio)
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

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
Advertisement Following Maduro’s removal, polls show cautious optimism among Venezuelans, which is a striking contrast to the despair that followed the fraudulent 2024 election. —Boris Muñoz, Time, 3 Apr. 2026 His brother, Alec, offers a sharper contrast. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Kirill Kudrayavtsev, meanwhile, opted to place a foreground object in his composition, creating a beautifully contrasting image as the black silhouette of the weathervane of the Church of the Three Kings lay across the glowing yellow moon. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Their contrasting positions mirror growing rifts within the Republican Party over whether military action against Iran is justified and appropriate. —Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrast
  1. difference
  2. differ
  3. distinctness
  4. distinctiveness
  5. diversity
  6. distinction
Noun
  • Making an actual charge is another as Saturday showed with several players getting close to Coughlin, but failing to make up the difference.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The difference wasn’t measured by their effort but instead by their over-all strategy.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of difference
Verb
  • Patrick O'Malley said each case differs, but that officers always prioritize the safety of innocent bystanders.
    — Tom Wait, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The three zoning districts have some differing conditions, the board report said — the data center district, for example, allows for taller buildings than the other two types and requires a significantly larger minimum lot size.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of differ
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    — Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    — Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Definition of distinctness
Noun
  • Humor about the pickle often stems from its distinctiveness—its tangy, assertive flavor and odd appearance lend themselves to exaggerated, whimsical depictions.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Optimal distinctiveness essentially says that people want to belong to a group and to still be unique in some way at the same time.
    — K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
Noun
  • The sheer diversity of gold necklaces in 2026 is nothing short of impressive.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Their sulfur-rich diet has also significantly reduced the diversity of their gut microbiomes.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • The market is full of vehicles that blur the line between a traditional e-bike and something closer to a motorcycle, and manufacturers don’t always make the distinction easy to spot.
    — Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • This distinction was missing both from popular discourse, the academics felt, and from an influential definition of antisemitism associated with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which lists numerous examples of antisemitism related to criticism of Israel.
    — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of distinction

Browse Nearby Words

contrary to
contrast
contrasted
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Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrast. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of contrast for Spanish Speakers

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