make all the difference

phrase

: to be very important : to matter most or very much
The size of the engine can make all the difference.
It may not matter to you, but it makes all the difference in the world to me.

Examples of make all the difference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These nifty solar stair lights take just seconds to install and can make all the difference at night. Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026 A little shade can make all the difference when summer temperatures start climbing. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 As temperatures soar, something as simple as a bottle of water can make all the difference. Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 1 July 2026 The good news is that a few simple aftercare steps can make all the difference, starting with knowing what to put on your legs after shaving. Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for make all the difference

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Make all the difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20all%20the%20difference. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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