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
By Amy Hansen, The Fresh Toast Diabetes strikes 42 million in Canada and the US, can cannabis make a difference?
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Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
However, there are numerous treatments and lifestyle interventions that can make a difference, either alone or often in combination.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025
This delay is about ensuring that the state’s policies are realistic, practical and truly make a difference.
—Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025
Rising bond yields — also largely outside of Mr. Musk’s control — will also make a difference.
—Alicia Parlapiano, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a difference
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Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
However, there are numerous treatments and lifestyle interventions that can make a difference, either alone or often in combination.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025
This delay is about ensuring that the state’s policies are realistic, practical and truly make a difference.
—Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025
Rising bond yields — also largely outside of Mr. Musk’s control — will also make a difference.
—Alicia Parlapiano, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
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 26 Apr. 2025.
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