contrast 1 of 2

Definition of contrastnext

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

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
The Blackhawks’ position as the NHL’s top in-market gainer, meanwhile, marks a stark contrast compared to last season, when the team saw 78% of its local deliveries fall off during its inaugural term on Chicago Sports Net (CHSN). Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026 In contrast, natural gas is cheap, abundant, and already flows through an extensive pipeline network across the country. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
For a colorful palette and contrasting shapes and sizes of flowers, reach for varieties like deep violet bellflowers, yellow daisy-like lanceleaf coreopsis, soft pink snapdragons, and sculptural yellow Indian dill. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026 Another is bright yellow with a smooth, contrasting black hood around its head. Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrast
Noun
  • Alex Bonetig’s goal more than five minutes into extra time made the difference for Portland (4-1-5), which threatened repeatedly late to break a 1-1 stalemate that lasted nearly the entire second half.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Their fans will have cast a nervous glance at the goal difference column after City raced into the lead at Turf Moor through Erling Haaland after five minutes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sleep stages differ in important ways, Monika Schönauer, a sleep researcher at the University of Freiburg, who wasn’t involved in the study, told me.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Artificial Grass Artificial grass looks just like real grass, even down to its shaggy cut and blades of differing shapes and colors.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
  • If this is the true face of the AI industry—a technological triumphalism that sees human thought as an inefficiency to overcome and human distinctiveness as a myth to debunk—the differences between the Church and Silicon Valley may prove irreconcilable.
    Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Providing more distinctiveness is Neville’s tagging along for the weekly dinner with the host (Edebiri in this case), Michaels and select cast members, which takes place early in the schedule and at the same Italian restaurant every week.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • San Francisco and New York City are leading office demand, as AI tech employment rises quickly in the former and diversity of employment fuels the latter.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Federal Communications Commission is seeking early renewal for all eight station licenses owned by ABC related to the broadcaster’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Among its many distinctions, SPLC is known for bankrupting the Ku Klux Klan.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The distinction between users and professionals is sometimes clear and other times not so obvious.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrast. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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