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.

It’s the difference between building a steel mill, and betting on whether or not a steel mill gets built.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The only difference is that the tool in this case had the letters “AI” attached to it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“That changed my whole perspective on how to make a difference in this whole place,” Kasamis said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

"That difference in the tax rate makes a huge difference to your competitiveness," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Or five years ago, when it could have made a difference?

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman