difference synonyms

difference

n.

  1. The quality of being different

    dissimilarity, disagreement, divergence, contrast, state of being different, nonconformity, contrariety, contrariness, deviation, opposition, antithesis, inequality, diversity, unlikeness, departure, lack of identity, lack of resemblance, variance, variation, discrepancy, separation, differentiation, distinctness, separateness, heterogeneity, dissimilitude, incongruity, asymmetry; see also contrast 1, variety 1.

    Antonyms agreement*, similarity*, resemblance. *

  2. That which is unlike in comparable things

    disparity, distinction, variance, deviation, departure, discrepancy, inconsistency, distinguishing characteristic, peculiarity, idiosyncrasy, exception, digression, contrast, unconformity, aberration, irregularity, anomaly, abnormality, contradistinction, deflection, interval; see also variation 2.

    Antonyms similarity*, likeness*, common ground.

  3. Personal dissension

    discord, estrangement, dissent, disagreement; see dispute.

make a difference

change, have an effect, affect; see matter 1.

split the difference*

compromise, meet halfway, come to an agreement, share; see agree, arbitrate.

what's the difference?*

what does it matter? what difference does it make? so what?*; see why.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.