Synonyms of contrast

contrast 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtrast 

as in difference

the quality or state of being different

the contrast between the two approaches to the problem of overeating could not be greater

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difference
• distinctness
• distinctiveness
• diversity
• distinction
• disparity
• dissimilarity
• distance
• disagreement
• discrepancy
• diverseness
• divergence
• unlikeness
• dissimilitude
• variation
• disparateness
• otherness
• variability
• change
• modification
• dichotomy
• deviance
• variance
• imbalance
• friction
• incongruity
• distinguishability
• differentiability
• conflict
• discord
• discordance
• dissent
• disproportion
• incongruence
• inequality
• strife
• disunity
• discriminability
• dissension
• incompatibility
• incongruousness
• dissidence
• nonconformity
• anomalousness
• nonequivalence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similarity
• analogy
• resemblance
• community
• likeness
• sameness
• identity
• accordance
• agreement
• correspondence
• conformity
• parallelism
• alikeness
• analogousness
• congruity
• similitude
• equality
• equivalence
• uniformity
• identicalness
• equivalency
• homogeneity
• homogeneousness

contrast

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrast 

as in to differ

to be unlike; to not be the same

her depressed mood today contrasts sharply with her good spirits yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• differ
• vary
• divide
• separate
• diverge
• deviate
• fluctuate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compare
• match
• agree
• correspond
• conform
• accord

Synonym Chooser

How is the word contrast distinct from other similar verbs?

The words collate and compare are common synonyms of contrast. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

When is it sensible to use collate instead of contrast?

While the synonyms collate and contrast are close in meaning, collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

When can compare be used instead of contrast?

The words compare and contrast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contrast

Noun

India’s software sector, by contrast, is vulnerable to the growing use of AI in place of programmers and the country lacks major players in AI infrastructure, models, or chips, driving foreign investors to slash their exposure to its stock market. —semafor.com, 29 May 2026

In contrast, a green placard means a restaurant passed inspection. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

Verb

The intricate, contrasting embroidery detail on this babydoll dress is stunning, creating a cool textural element to this look. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2026

Here's how the Ferrari Luce contrasts with its siblings and why the new EV is such a controversial release for the company. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 26 May 2026