difference

[dif-er-uhns, dif-ruhns] / ˈdɪf ər əns, ˈdɪf rəns /

NOUN

dissimilarity, distinctness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

change characteristic contrast discrepancy disparity distinction divergence diversity inequality variation

STRONG

aberration alteration anomaly antithesis asymmetry contrariety contrariness departure deviation differentiation digression exception heterogeneity idiosyncrasy irregularity nonconformity opposition particularity peculiarity separateness separation singularity unlikeness variance variety

WEAK

discongruity dissemblance unconformity unorthodoxness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

likeness sameness similarity uniformity

STRONG

conformity correspondence regularity

WEAK

alikeness

NOUN

opposing views

Synonyms

STRONGEST

argument clash conflict controversy debate disagreement discord dispute quarrel

STRONG

beef blowup brawl brush brush-off contention contrariety contretemps discordance dissension dissent dissidence disunity dustup estrangement hassle row run-in scrap set-to spat strife tiff variance words wrangle

WEAK

bone to pick brannigan disaccord

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accord agreement harmony peace

STRONG

approval authorization concurrence ratification

WEAK

alikeness assent consent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What a difference a few months—and a war—make.

From Barron's

Interestingly, unlike the mouse studies, the human data showed no differences between males and females in digestive outcomes.

From Science Daily

"Do you know what the difference is between our sky and the sky of the rest of the world?" she asks.

From BBC

Here’s how to understand the difference—and the implications.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the important difference comes in the fact that most of the country doesn’t share their zeal.

From The Wall Street Journal