make all the difference
idiom
: to be very important : to matter most or very much
The size of the engine can make all the difference.
It may not matter to you, but it makes all the difference in the world to me.
Examples of make all the difference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the same way a skilled mechanic can get every bit of horsepower out of Formula One car, a proper tuning can make all the difference in a ski race decided by hundredths of a second.
—
Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The way retailers handle returns could make all the difference in their future behavior, Narvar added.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
How to prep thin hair for styling A few simple washday considerations can make all the difference when styling thin hair.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2026
And, while many people try to resolve tax issues on their own, the process can be confusing, time-consuming and emotionally draining, so getting the right help can make all the difference.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make all the difference
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The way retailers handle returns could make all the difference in their future behavior, Narvar added.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
How to prep thin hair for styling A few simple washday considerations can make all the difference when styling thin hair.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2026
And, while many people try to resolve tax issues on their own, the process can be confusing, time-consuming and emotionally draining, so getting the right help can make all the difference.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for make all the difference
Cite this Entry
“Make all the difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20all%20the%20difference. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
