make a difference

idiom

: 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.

: 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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

There will be many positive outcomes and the stories of those who have transitioned out of homelessness will demonstrate our efforts can make a difference. —

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 All of the state Assembly seats and half of the state Senate seats are up for election — and the recent redistricting away from the gerrymandering of the past could make a difference in the makeup of both. —

Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024 Right Before Election Nate Silver Has 'Good Update' for Kamala Harris 4 Days Before Election Bryant told Newsweek that rallies do make a difference in the key areas of enthusiasm and media attention. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 What will make a difference in this razor-tight election? —

NBC News, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for make a difference

Cite this Entry

Style

“Make a difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20difference. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation