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
By contrast, residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington experienced only a modest price hike of 2.1% on eggs, meat, poultry and fish. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025 Mexico, by contrast, saw its consumer stress levels up 1.7 percent in the first quarter compared with the fourth quarter of last year, while French shoppers evinced 4 percent higher stress levels from quarter to quarter. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
The next year, Sophie returned on April 9, donning a green bow in her curly blonde hair and bright pink sneakers that contrasted against her white outfit. Nasha Smith, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The stone walls anchoring the kitchen, den, and outdoor hangout spaces highlight the warm sunlight creeping in through the vacation rental’s wall-spanning windows, while warm woods elsewhere contrast the earthy interior palette. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contrast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrast
Noun
  • But the truth is, neurological differences really are a superpower.
    As told to Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Upfront costs are also important and can make the difference for whether new power projects can be built, as the East Coast has seen lately.
    Erin Baker, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Or started a new job that differed greatly from the glossy job description?
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Married women whose names differ from their birth certificates, low-income voters, and people without passports could face significant challenges.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On April 11th, the Trump Administration sent a letter to Harvard University demanding an end to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in hiring, admissions, and programs.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The findings support the need for scientists to incorporate more diversity when crafting linguistic models, says Jixing Li, a linguist at City University Hong Kong, who was not involved in the new study.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With his first career homer, Wilson earned the distinction of blasting the A’s first home run at Sutter Health Park, doing so in the March 31 home opener vs. the Seattle Mariners.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This effectively removes the distinction between mainstream and AI stacks.
    Dinesh Subhraveti, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrast. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrast

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