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

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.

Historic openings are few — and America can make a difference. —

Brandon Hoffman, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025 Here are three important steps that can make a difference: Simplify access to affordable internet programs: Right now, the USF includes several different programs to help people get connected, but they’re scattered across multiple agencies, creating confusion and frustration. —

Randy Ray, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025 Having an understanding of what brain health impacts and how to optimize brain health can make a difference at every age. —

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 But is this investment and mindset enough to make a difference? —

Lindsay Kohler, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for make a difference

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“Make a difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20difference. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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