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
Dullness and dryness are common winter hair complaints, but a natural oil might make all the difference in your routine.
—
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 6 Feb. 2026
With many devices now equipped with emergency satellite connectivity, even when cell service is unavailable, having the proper charge can make all the difference.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Though these are the standard steps for any DIY manicure, the brand has its own proprietary formulas that, per Drescher and thousands of fans, make all the difference.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Other than sharpening, a good cleaning and oiling can make all the difference.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Jan. 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.
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 6 Feb. 2026
With many devices now equipped with emergency satellite connectivity, even when cell service is unavailable, having the proper charge can make all the difference.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Though these are the standard steps for any DIY manicure, the brand has its own proprietary formulas that, per Drescher and thousands of fans, make all the difference.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Other than sharpening, a good cleaning and oiling can make all the difference.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Jan. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
