con·trast
kən-ˈtrast 
ˈkän-ˌtrast
ˈkän-ˌtrast
contrasted; contrasting; contrasts
: to set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences
Contrast European and American manners.
Contrast the two major characters of the novel.
—often used with to or withcontrasting the painter with her contemporaries
: to form a contrast
con·trast
ˈkän-ˌtrast
1
a
: juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (such as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of art
b
: degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture
2
a
: the difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures
the contrast between the two forms of government
b
: comparison of similar objects to set off their dissimilar qualities
By contrast with newer models, the computer operates slowly.
: the state of being so compared
In contrast to the other estimates, his was very high.
3
: a person or thing that exhibits differences when compared with another
The gentle girl is a contrast to the arrogant woman.
Synonyms
Examples of contrast in a Sentence
Verb
Her black dress and the white background contrast sharply.
We compared and contrasted the two characters of the story.
Noun
I observed an interesting contrast in the teaching styles of the two women.
Careful contrast of the twins shows some differences.
In contrast to last year's profits, the company is not doing very well.
The queen's wit and humor made the prince seem dull by contrast.
They spent millions of dollars on advertising. By way of contrast, our small company spent under 5,000 dollars.
Recent Examples on the Web
Theara Coleman, theweek, 11 Nov. 2024
The bag, available in light or dark indigo, has contrasting vegan leather handles and a detachable crossbody strap.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
Mckenzie Rankin, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
By contrast, the total Oropouche count in Brazil recorded between 2015 and 2022 was 261.
—Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrast 
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Verb
The cautious messaging greatly contrasts the response to his first term, signaling a shift in Silicon Valley.
—Theara Coleman, theweek, 11 Nov. 2024
The bag, available in light or dark indigo, has contrasting vegan leather handles and a detachable crossbody strap.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
This past year, the city has gained contrast therapy studios, viral head spas, and now a spa dedicated to salt therapy.
—Mckenzie Rankin, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
By contrast, the total Oropouche count in Brazil recorded between 2015 and 2022 was 261.
—Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contrast
Dictionary Entries Near contrast
Cite this Entry
“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrast. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contrast
1 of 2 verb
con·trast
kən-ˈtrast
ˈkän-ˌtrast
ˈkän-ˌtrast
1
: to show noticeable differences
2
: to compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them
contrast
2 of 2 noun
con·trast
ˈkän-ˌtrast
1
: a person or thing that shows differences when compared to another
2
: difference or unlikeness (as in color or brightness) between related things especially when very plain
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