differently

adverb

dif·​fer·​ent·​ly ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt-lē How to pronounce differently (audio)
ˈdi-fərnt-
Synonyms of differentlynext
1
: in a different manner
2
: otherwise

Synonyms of differently

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Examples of differently in a Sentence

we do things differently around here
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.
Style isn’t only about adding something; sometimes moving the emphasis to a bright shoe or a bag carried differently is enough. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026 And a style that looks beautiful on someone else may behave very differently on your head once your natural texture, density and growth patterns come into play. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 Could events have played out differently if Russians had not had this window to the outside world? — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Oct. 2026 His return last Friday, now a star at Florida, offered a reminder how differently his career could have unfolded. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for differently

Word History

Etymology

Middle English differentliche, differently, from different different entry 1 + -liche, -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of differently was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing differently

Rhymes for differently

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Browse Nearby Words

differentiator
differently
differently abled
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Cite this Entry

“Differently.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differently. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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