Synonyms for difference
- noun
- verb
Most common
discrepancy deviation distinction disparity dispute disagreement
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Discrepancy — A characteristic of something that makes it different from something else
discrepancy, deviation, distinction, disparity, diversity, contrast, inconsistency, variation, dissimilarity, variety, inequality, variance, departure, heterogeneity, alteration, incompatibility, divergence dated, unlikeness rare, contrariety rare, dissimilitude rare
2. Dispute — A disagreement or argument
dispute, disagreement, misunderstanding, conflict, controversy, dissonance, quarrel, argument, dissension, division, jarring, contention, breach, discord, dissent, altercation, strife, alienation
Other
remainder, differentiation, never mind, otherness, dissemblance rare
Verb
1. Distinguish — to distinguish or differentiate
Definitions
- n. 1
A characteristic of something that makes it different from something else.
There are three differences between these two pictures.
- n. 2
A disagreement or argument.
We have our little differences, but we are firm friends.
- v. 1
To distinguish or differentiate.
Forms
- Plural
- differences → discrepancies, deviations, distinctions, disparities…
- Past participle
- differenced
e.g. differenced → distinguished, differentiated…
Choose the right word
Difference is the state or quality of being unlike or the amount of such unlikeness. A difference is in the things compared; a discrimination is in our judgment of them; a distinction is in our definition or description or mental image of them.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- distinction He makes no distinction between right and wrong.
- disparity 3-D glasses make use of retinal disparity.
- deviation No deviation from the regulations will be tolerated.
- discrepancy I can't think of an explanation for the discrepancy.
- misunderstanding I think there has been some misunderstanding here.
- disagreement Tom intervened in his coworkers' disagreement.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| difference | steady | |
| distinction | steady | |
| disparity | steady | |
| deviation | steady | |
| discrepancy | falling | |
| misunderstanding | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 6 letters
- breach1, strife1
- 7 letters
- variety4, dispute2, dissent2, discord2, quarrel2, jarring2
- 8 letters
- division3, conflict2, argument3, contrast2, variance3
- 9 letters
- diversity4, departure3, variation4, remainder3, deviation4, disparity4, otherness3
- 10 letters
- inequality5, contention3, alteration4, divergence3, alienation5, dissonance3, dissension3, unlikeness
- 11 letters
- controversy4, distinction3, distinguish3, discrepancy4, altercation4, contrariety
- 12 letters
- disagreement4, dissemblance
- 13 letters
- differentiate5, inconsistency5, heterogeneity7, dissimilarity6, dissimilitude
- 15 letters
- differentiation6, incompatibility7
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (variety4 = 4 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- différence
- Italiano
- differenza
- Español
- diferencia
- Deutsch
- Differenz
- Català
- diferència