contrast

1 of 2

verb

contrasted; contrasting; contrasts

transitive verb

: to set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences
Contrast European and American manners.
Contrast the two major characters of the novel.
often used with to or with
contrasting the painter with her contemporaries

intransitive verb

: to form a contrast
contrastable
kən-ˈtra-stə-bəl How to pronounce contrast (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtra-
adjective
contrastingly
kən-ˈtra-stiŋ-lē How to pronounce contrast (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtra-
adverb

contrast

2 of 2

noun

con·​trast ˈkän-ˌtrast How to pronounce contrast (audio)
1
a
: juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (such as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of art
b
: degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture
2
a
: the difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures
the contrast between the two forms of government
b
: comparison of similar objects to set off their dissimilar qualities
By contrast with newer models, the computer operates slowly.
: the state of being so compared
In contrast to the other estimates, his was very high.
3
: a person or thing that exhibits differences when compared with another
The gentle girl is a contrast to the arrogant woman.
Choose the Right Synonym for contrast

compare, contrast, collate mean to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses.

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

contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

Examples of contrast in a Sentence

Verb Her black dress and the white background contrast sharply. We compared and contrasted the two characters of the story. Noun I observed an interesting contrast in the teaching styles of the two women. Careful contrast of the twins shows some differences. In contrast to last year's profits, the company is not doing very well. The queen's wit and humor made the prince seem dull by contrast. They spent millions of dollars on advertising. By way of contrast, our small company spent under 5,000 dollars.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The team used one type of marble as a backsplash and another for the countertops, contrasting tones while uniting aesthetics. Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 For the evening, Hyland chose a full-length dress with a black satin décolletage that contrasted against the dress’s silver shimmer. Violet Goldstone, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
In contrast, Water signs, particularly Cancer and Pisces, tend to prefer more tranquil, peaceful trips. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 In contrast, Cardinal Lawrence isn’t as duplicitous, and Davies leaned into that. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contrast 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contrast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from French contraster "to be in opposition (of elements of a work of art)," re-formation (after Italian contrastare "to oppose, set against, be in opposition [of elements of a work of art]") of Middle French contrester "to resist, oppose, struggle against," going back to Old French, going back to Vulgar Latin *contrāstāre "to oppose," from Latin contrā "opposite, facing, against" + stāre "to stand" — more at contra-, stand entry 1

Noun

borrowed from French contraste, borrowed from Italian contrasto "debate, discord, juxtaposition of elements in a work of art," noun derivative of contrastare "to oppose, set against, be in opposition (of elements of a work of art)" — more at contrast entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1695, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrast was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near contrast

Cite this Entry

“Contrast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrast. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

contrast

1 of 2 verb
1
: to show noticeable differences
2
: to compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them

contrast

2 of 2 noun
con·​trast ˈkän-ˌtrast How to pronounce contrast (audio)
1
: a person or thing that shows differences when compared to another
2
: difference or unlikeness (as in color or brightness) between related things especially when very plain

More from Merriam-Webster on contrast

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