make a difference

idiom

1

: to cause a change : to be important in some way

Cost can make a difference in deciding on a college.

Your help made a big difference.

It may not matter to you, but it makes a world of difference to me.

2

: to do something that is important : to do something that helps people or makes the world a better place

She says that she got into politics because she wanted to make a difference.

Examples of make a difference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During 5th and 6th grade, Kourtney took part in Kauffman Cares, an after-school program that aims to make a difference in her community. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024

But can applying shampoo twice in the shower really make a difference in the cleanliness and health of your hair? —Alyssa Hui, Health, 16 Apr. 2024

Early medical intervention, Rosenthal added, could make a difference in a patient’s recovery. —Omar Rodríguez Ortiz, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024

Editors’ Picks The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City in 2024 There may be nothing executives can say or do that would make a difference at this point. —Jonathan Mahler Edoardo Ballerini Emma Kehlbeck Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024

That’s where environmental education comes in: helping youth understand the environment and their ability to make a difference. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024

End of carousel John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said that the assembly and operation of the pier will bring relief to thousands of Gazans, and is an important mission that will make a difference. —Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2024

Voting does make a difference, and Minnesotans often lead the nation. —Chuck Slocum, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2024

Buy really fresh asparagus and radishes, from a farmers market if possible—that too will make a difference. —Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024