make a difference

idiom

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

The project’s ever evolving focus is on her next phase as a single mom in recovery who wants to make a difference in the community. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025

Make Your Bedroom Your Sanctuary This may not seem revolutionary, but curating a sleep-friendly environment can make a difference in your sleep habits. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 14 Mar. 2025

Those folks are going to stand up and make a difference. —Sean Rameswaram, Vox, 10 Mar. 2025

These last few games between the two teams could make a difference in the voting so each side will be looking to make their case. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for make a difference

• indifference