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Synonyms
Examples of difference in a Sentence
Judy Berman, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
Model makers need to train their detectors on every new AI audio generator on the market to detect the subtle differences between them and real people.
—Huo Jingnan, NPR, 5 Apr. 2024
The current makeup in the House is 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats, a difference of five seats.
—Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024
Yet Gong noted one critical difference: a BYD car, comparable to the Model 3, cost 15% less than production in Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 4 Apr. 2024
You may be charged a change fee, cancellation fee or fare difference for future travel depending on the terms of your original ticket.
—USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
From On-Set Photos to Glamour Shots: Brooke Shields' Greatest Throwback Photos
It’s not known what brand Shields is wearing in Freaked, but the stark similarity between the two ensembles is undeniable, despite some small differences.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024
During the three-month period between January to March 2023, there were more than 14,300 Black people in need of kidney transplants whose wait times were changed, averaging out to a two year time difference.
—Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024
Their romantic impulses are complicated by intellectual and social differences.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 Apr. 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
For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year.
—Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'difference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Noun
Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin differentia "distinction, distinguishing characteristic," from different-, differens, present participle of differre "to carry in varying directions, delay, differ" + -ia -ia entry 1
Note: Latin differentia was used by Cicero and others as an equivalent of Greek diaphorá, a nominal derivative of diaphérein (see note at differ).
Verb
derivative of difference entry 1
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing difference
Articles Related to difference
Dictionary Entries Near difference
Cite this Entry
“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/difference. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
difference
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on difference
Nglish: Translation of difference for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of difference for Arabic Speakers
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