contrasting 1 of 2

Definition of contrastingnext

contrasting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of contrast
as in differing
to be unlike; to not be the same her depressed mood today contrasts sharply with her good spirits yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of contrasting
Adjective
The drop waist of the garment added a touch of modernity with a voluminous bubble style skirt in a contrasting shade of light blue. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 May 2026 In recent decades, its few references to God have been especially polarizing, as Americans defend starkly contrasting views of the United States. Thomas Tweed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026 It’s structured as a rondo, in which an initial or main melody is repeated in between one or more contrasting segments. Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 This week’s Watches & Wonders showcase in Geneva certainly proved that there are just as many contrasting ideologies and competing priorities in 2026. Charlie Boyd, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026 The thick contrasting white rubber sole keeps the look framed and grounded. Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 Chrome powders also come in several different colors, allowing your finish to be icy, warm, monochromatic, or highly contrasting depending on your preferences. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026 Four candidates seeking to represent San Diego’s South Bay on the City Council would bring to City Hall contrasting types of experience, different priorities and varied solutions to the city’s budget crisis. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 Luna suggests using a mosaic pattern in your flooring or shower tile, adding a contrasting shower niche, or installing a colored marble shower curb for high-impact ways to get in on these color trends. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
For those looking to recreate Hudson’s look, this striped blouse rings similar — while the star’s contrasting colors include pink and blue, this blue-and-white version is an equally delicate design with the lighter hue at the forefront. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 In a final effort to sway voters, the parties have offered sharply contrasting views of the state of the country just off the east coast of Florida. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 In a post, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expanded on the company’s ability to influence culture, and to create jobs all around the world, contrasting the company’s investment to other entertainment giants. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 In the shadow of King Charles’ visit to the White House lie the contrasting leadership lessons of three of lands once ruled by Great Britain––the United States, Australia, and Canada. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 11 May 2026 These perennials with colorful flowers and contrasting shapes pair perfectly with hostas. Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 When choosing the materials for your side yard path, don't be afraid to experiment with contrasting hues. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 10 May 2026 Trueno spoke to Rolling Stone about his love for contrasting moods, his collaboration with emerging rapper Milo J, and the downtime rituals that keep his sanity intact. Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2026 Maluma’s example pairs a yellow-gold case and bracelet with a contrasting onyx dial. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrasting
Adjective
  • Chapultepec Castle, once a sovereign residence, is worth a visit, as is Audiorama, an area filled with benches and speakers that pump out different types of music.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Health officials are now investigating whether the outbreak involves the Ebola Zaire strain — the deadliest and most well-known version of the virus — or a different variant, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Both scales failed this test, meaning they can’t be used to compare people with differing intelligence—and conclusions like this study’s can’t be trusted.
    Simon Makin, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
  • The parties presented their differing sides.
    Eric Adler May 14, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • And yet, the film’s naturalism also helps bind its disparate parts.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • Now, Hill avoids upsetting her audience by framing the disparate response to Clark as a gender issue.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The neckline and bodice also featured contrasted fabric to the more muted emerald tone of the midi dress.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Its light blue gingham plaid is made of cotton fabric, and the stocking is adorned with a mint green bow for a contrasted look.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Token, pushover human Seth (Gil Ozeri) lives under the thumb of the tiny, domineering dog Brandi (the incomparable Amy Sedaris), a high maintenance diva with a yen for single-use Stanley cups.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Leslie and her gruff-but-caring, staunch Libertarian boss Ron Swanson (the incomparable Nick Offerman) became symbols of bygone bipartisanship, not to mention endless memes.
    Jennifer Armstrong, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contrasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrasting. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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