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
That level of control can make a difference between turning a medicine into a pill or having to deliver it using an IV, which is why pharmaceutical giants have been conducting a variety of similar experiments on board the International Space Station.
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Alex Knapp, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Learning about this work, speaking with the young women, children, and families who have been transformed — and knowing our trip helped make a difference — was the highlight of our trip.
—Emily Baldwin, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2024
One was having a healthy Patrik Laine, one that would be invigorated by this new start in a new city, one that would make a difference.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
With fashion contributing 10% of global carbon emissions, buying pre-owned has become a tangible way for consumers to make a difference.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for make a difference 
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Alex Knapp, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Learning about this work, speaking with the young women, children, and families who have been transformed — and knowing our trip helped make a difference — was the highlight of our trip.
—Emily Baldwin, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2024
One was having a healthy Patrik Laine, one that would be invigorated by this new start in a new city, one that would make a difference.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
With fashion contributing 10% of global carbon emissions, buying pre-owned has become a tangible way for consumers to make a difference.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for make a difference
Dictionary Entries Near make a difference
Cite this Entry
“Make a difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20difference. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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