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

There will be many positive outcomes and the stories of those who have transitioned out of homelessness will demonstrate our efforts can make a difference. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

All of the state Assembly seats and half of the state Senate seats are up for election — and the recent redistricting away from the gerrymandering of the past could make a difference in the makeup of both. —Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024

Right Before Election Nate Silver Has 'Good Update' for Kamala Harris 4 Days Before Election Bryant told Newsweek that rallies do make a difference in the key areas of enthusiasm and media attention. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

What will make a difference in this razor-tight election? —NBC News, 3 Nov. 2024