dif·fer·ence
ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 
ˈdi-fərn(t)s
1
a
: the quality or state of being dissimilar or different
the difference between right and wrong
b
: an instance of being unlike or distinct in nature, form, or quality
noted the differences in color and texture
c
archaic
: a characteristic that distinguishes one from another or from the average
… an absolute gentleman, full of the most excellent differences …—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
d
: the element or factor that separates or distinguishes contrasting situations
Timing is often the difference between success and failure.
2
: distinction or discrimination in preference
3
a
: disagreement in opinion : dissension
b
: an instance or cause of disagreement
unable to settle their differences
4
mathematics
: the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure
specifically
: remainder sense 2b(1)
5
: a significant change in or effect on a situation
it makes no difference to me
differenced; differencing
: differentiate, distinguish
… every individual has something that differences it from another …—John Locke
John LockeSynonyms
Examples of difference in a Sentence
Noun
She knows the difference between right and wrong.
There's no difference between the two houses. They look exactly the same.
There's a big difference in price.
Verb
people who cannot difference God's will from their own selfish desires and prejudices
Recent Examples on the Web
Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
The difference is largely due to changes in derivative liabilities, gain on sale of mine property, and gain on extinguishment of debt.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
But that’s largely attributed to the singular genius of coach Bill Belichick, who is famous for his ability to adapt his game plan and players to difference situations each week.
—Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2018
See all Example Sentences for difference 
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Noun
The difference between CVs and résumés The most obvious difference between CVs and résumés is length.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
The difference is largely due to changes in derivative liabilities, gain on sale of mine property, and gain on extinguishment of debt.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
Special teams difference After a penalty-free first period, the Wings had a power play 6:58 into the second period.
—Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023
But that’s largely attributed to the singular genius of coach Bill Belichick, who is famous for his ability to adapt his game plan and players to difference situations each week.
—Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2018
See all Example Sentences for difference
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Cite this Entry
“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/difference. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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