contrasting 1 of 2

adjective

as in different

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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
All four stars ably play the stoic and sorrowful notes required of them, without finding many secondary or contrasting ones in their dialogue. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The big story Rising memory chip costs are having a contrasting effect on the fortunes of budget Chinese brands and mid-market and premium American and South Korean smartphone companies in India, the world's second-largest market by volume. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026 As a contrasting example, California shows how much policy design matters. — Jacob Lederman, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 The expensive-looking calf-hair is enough to make these a must-have, but the contrasting red trim and laces take it a step further, solidifying them as a true standout. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 The wheels also have a contrasting finish that echoes the theme. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 July 2026 Warm, contrasting tones–think coppers, bronze, terracotta, and rich chocolate brown–tend to have the most transformative effect. — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 24 July 2026 Our starkly contrasting opinions made the reading experience that much more engaging. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 22 July 2026 The uniform mounded shape and purple hues of the flower spikes, along with the contrasting silvery foliage, add attractive structure and framing along the edges of paved walkways. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 June 2026
Verb
The Boston Celtics’ rivalry with the Lakers gets juice from their contrasting auras. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The pastry is a light and airy conveyance to the unctuous, creamy foie within, while the crackly layer of flour, sugar, and butter that crowns each treat lands a contrasting crunch. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 The steak is rubbed in a blend of chili powder, cumin, and coriander, plus a little brown sugar for a little bit of contrasting sweetness. — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026 Caladiums bring brilliant contrasting colors on the same leaf and are great plants to use in the thriller role for a slightly shady location. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026 This method, supported by research and contrasting with overparenting, builds critical thinking and adaptability. — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 This soft book features several activities, including a mirror, tinkle pages and contrasting colors. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 Hammer’s editing juxtapoises contrasting images and sounds and brings past and present into an intimate and unexpected dialogue. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 Further in lies a kitchen with parquet flooring, an Esmeralda marble island, and contrasting brass finishes. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrasting
  1. different
  2. differing
  3. disparate
  4. contrasted
  5. incomparable
Adjective
  • Mike Coppola | Getty Images Rare Ventures will initially focus on funding the development of new treatments for seven different rare conditions.
    — Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • His October episode with Hailey Bieber also comes to mind — in a different way.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of different
Verb
  • Edelman’s 2026 Trust Barometer, based on nearly 34,000 respondents across 28 countries, confirms that employers are particularly well positioned to build trust among people with differing values and perspectives.
    — Scott M. Curran, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sure enough, Heyward and Freeman headed south that day — still driving separately because of their differing morning routines.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of differing
Adjective
  • But a huge issue in these talks specifically is that the sides are operating in disparate frameworks.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Cowin has also spliced together photographs of disparate subjects — people, places and things — on broad horizontal panels that suggest narrative progression but instead register as evocative panoramic poems.
    — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of disparate
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
Definition of contrasted
Adjective
  • The telescope’s main survey will take at least a year, McEnery said at the Saturday press event—and its scale is incomparable.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Three massive screens in the front enabled even those in the nosebleed seats to watch Young’s incomparable fret work.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of incomparable

Browse Nearby Words

contrasted (to)
contrasting
contrasts
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Cite this Entry

“Contrasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrasting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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