make a difference
phrase
1
: to cause a change : to be important in some way
Cost can make a difference in deciding on a college.
Your help made a big difference.
It may not matter to you, but it makes a world of difference to me.
2
: to do something that is important : to do something that helps people or makes the world a better place
She says that she got into politics because she wanted to make a difference.
Examples of make a difference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So does your shorter shower or unwatered lawn actually make a difference?
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
5 July 2026
Add Thoughtful Touches to the Kitchen In a kitchen, the designer says a small accent like a beautiful tray that requires you to set things down with care instead of tossing them on the counter can make a difference.
—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 July 2026
Recently, that meant bringing in a standout college talent who seemed poised to make a difference for the organization down the line.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Want to know how your actions can help make a difference for our planet?
—
Ben Noll,
Washington Post,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for make a difference
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Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
5 July 2026
Add Thoughtful Touches to the Kitchen In a kitchen, the designer says a small accent like a beautiful tray that requires you to set things down with care instead of tossing them on the counter can make a difference.
—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 July 2026
Recently, that meant bringing in a standout college talent who seemed poised to make a difference for the organization down the line.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Want to know how your actions can help make a difference for our planet?
—
Ben Noll,
Washington Post,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for make a difference
Cite this Entry
“Make a difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20difference. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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