differentiate

verb

ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce differentiate (audio)
Definition of differentiatenext
as in to distinguish
to understand or point out the difference in it was hard at first to differentiate between the two styles of music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 differentiate Defense attorney Phil Barber said the findings could rule out certain individuals as contributors and may provide ancestry information, although the test cannot differentiate between men who share the same paternal ancestors. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Key to understanding the Fizz—and understanding why the Williams Fizz is so unbelievably delicious—is to differentiate it from the Collins. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 There are different bumps and divots in the bone to take in, small details differentiating each one from the next. — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026 Bringing these creative brands together, giving producers access to a broader pool of talent, IP and resources, while preserving their independence is what differentiates Mediawan. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for differentiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for differentiate
  1. distinguish
  2. discriminate
Verb
  • The interplay of precious metals with rubber and leather reinforces the brand’s more casual sensibility, distinguishing it from more formal men’s jewelry offerings.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Some of these cocktail bars in Milan are part of larger operations with restaurants; others distinguish themselves independently.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinguish
Verb
  • Claiming that they are being harshly discriminated against due to their religion and conservative beliefs, the couple asks help from Mia, an attorney, to represent their case in the Norwegian court.
    — Tomris Laffly, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, the suit claims that the reparations program illegally discriminates on the basis of race — in this case, discriminating against people who are not Black.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of discriminate

Browse Nearby Words

differential
differentiate
differentiated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Differentiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/differentiate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All