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.

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

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“Make a difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20difference. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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