DIFFERENTIAL Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

differential

adjective

ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl

Definition of differential

as in discriminatory

favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work

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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 differential The switch sits right next to the differential lock controls for off-road control. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Privacy-preserving techniques such as differential privacy, federated learning, and on-device modeling let a publisher predict reader behavior without ever assembling an identifiable profile in a central warehouse. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The system uses a bottom tank to store 32 kilograms of FLiNaK salt, which is pushed into an upper primary tank via differential pressure to mimic radioactive core conditions. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 If necessary, tiebreakers include head-to-head matchups, point differential, total points and, if needed, a random drawing. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state. — New York Times, 30 June 2026 Those European sides knew that a German victory by no more than 2-0 would advance both teams based on goal differential. — Pete Grathoff june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 While that ruling pertained only to admissions, the administration last winter notified schools that any differential treatment based on race was unconstitutional. — Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 If Argentina slips up at any point in the group stage before this match, expect the score to be run up to catch up on goal differential. — Nick Harris june 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for differential

Adjective

When the community is hostile toward or distrustful of a particular minority group, police may feel that discriminatory behavior toward that group is justified.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Other retailers have also pulled merchandise that critics deemed racially insensitive, discriminatory or offensive after public backlash and social media protests.

— Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of discriminatory

Adjective

In recent days, the United States proposed new terms that were uneconomic, unfair and undermine the net benefits for Canada, and called into question the reliability of any deal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
And many of the 1970s nationalization of most major oil companies holdings in oil exporting nations were partly due to the sense that the original concession agreements were unfair.

— Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfair

Browse Nearby Words

differentiae

differential

differentiate

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“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/differential. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of differential

adjective

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