contrasting 1 of 2

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 shape is elegant while the contrasting blue and green pieces add playfulness. Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 27 June 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 Not only does her tote offer a contrasting pop of color against the blue hues of the shirt and pants, but the spacious piece is ideal for carrying all of the essentials. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 The interior, meanwhile, showcases a contrasting red vinyl. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 June 2026 Zidane and Ronaldo, whose fortunes had been entwined in such contrasting ways back in the 1998 World Cup final, met again. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 31 May 2026 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
Verb
Zaman has brought each of those contrasting identities to life with diamond-sharp precision. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 July 2026 Plant species with contrasting textures, such as frilly ferns with the large, bold leaves of hosta. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 State-level interventions, such as Florida's Live Local Act, override local barriers to accelerate affordable housing, contrasting with successful collaborative projects like Pittsburgh's modular homes. Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Large hip cutouts showed off her fishnet tights and were laced up with bright orange string, adding a pop of contrasting color. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 June 2026 Doechii’s version included contrasting brown and gold reptilian-print material as well as beads, sequins and tassel adornment. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 June 2026 The two rivals met 80 times over two decades, with their contrasting styles and personalities making every encounter must-see TV. Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 How to identify a copperhead The snakes have contrasting brown crossbands shaped like an hourglass or dumbbell, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026 Celebrity nail artist Naomi Yasuda pairs these contrasting finishes for a super-cool look. Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 22 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrasting
Adjective
  • As the match enters a hydration break, Austria — which has already gone for broke with four substitutions this half — will have to try something different to rally.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Researchers then move the ion to different locations above the chip by adjusting voltages on the trap electrodes.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • This Hollywood initiative advises major studios like Disney and Paramount on crafting stories that promote pluralism and humanize differing perspectives.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • For Edris, one of the biggest challenges in their relationship has been differing views on boundaries.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Pochettino's work with USMNT echoes Hiddink's playbook almost point for point—introducing fluid tactics, intense conditioning, and extended camps to forge a collective identity from disparate cultural elements.
    Michael Morris, Time, 1 July 2026
  • Beatriz, however, makes a convincing case for those disparate elements actually belonging together.
    Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 1 July 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
  • These fashion-forward jeans may be a similar style to the pair Oprah was spotted wearing, but their $33 price tag is incomparable.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
  • The situation of white Americans today is incomparable, even if Carl has seemed to suggest otherwise.
    Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contrasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrasting. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrasting

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster