make a difference

idiom

: 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.

: 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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

That could make a difference in battleground states such as Pennsylvania. —

Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 29 Oct. 2024 But for someone who already stays relatively hydrated, would adding an extra 20 to 30 ounces daily make a difference? —

Hannah Harper, Health, 23 Oct. 2024 One of the best ways to make a difference is by educating the next generation. —

Amy Brady, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2024 That’s all right too—even if your drink doesn’t contain enough of the good stuff to officially make a difference. —

Caroline Tien, SELF, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for make a difference

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“Make a difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20difference. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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