differed; differing
ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ 
1
a
: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
the law of one state differs from that of another
b
: to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary
the number of cookies in a box may differ
2
: to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree
they differ on religious matters
I beg to differ with your interpretation.
Examples of differ in a Sentence
The two schools differ in their approach to discipline.
my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money
Recent Examples on the Web
That differs from a jury trial, where jurors come back from deliberations and provide a verdict, but no explanation.
—
Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Laundry sanitizer differs from chlorine bleach, which also has disinfecting properties.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
The Pro version differs from this model by having a more rugged internal construction, waterproofing, fully multi-coated optics and is nitrogen purged.
—Harry Bennett, Space.com, 20 May 2025
And the rules governing how much a family is expected to contribute using the CSS differ from FAFSA’s.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
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Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Laundry sanitizer differs from chlorine bleach, which also has disinfecting properties.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
The Pro version differs from this model by having a more rugged internal construction, waterproofing, fully multi-coated optics and is nitrogen purged.
—Harry Bennett, Space.com, 20 May 2025
And the rules governing how much a family is expected to contribute using the CSS differ from FAFSA’s.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for differ
Cite this Entry
“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
differ
verb
dif·fer
ˈdif-ər
differed; differing
ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ
1
: to be not the same : be unlike
brothers who differ in looks
2
: disagree sense 2
differ only on one issue
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