to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc., of

Contrast the political rights of Romans and Greeks.

to exhibit unlikeness on comparison with something else; form a contrast.

Linguistics . to differ in a way that can serve to distinguish meanings

The sounds p and b contrast in the words pin and bin.

the act of contrasting; the state of being contrasted.

a striking exhibition of unlikeness.

a person or thing that is strikingly unlike in comparison

The weather down here is a welcome contrast to what we're having back home.

opposition or juxtaposition of different forms, lines, or colors in a work of art to intensify each element's properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness.

Photography . the relative difference between light and dark areas of a print or negative.

Television . the brightness ratio of the lightest to the darkest part of the television screen image.

Linguistics . a difference between linguistic elements, esp. sounds, that can serve to distinguish meanings.

noun

agreement , conformity , copy , equality , facsimile , homogeneousness , likeness , similarity , uniformity , unity

verb

accord , agree , be alike , be equal , be similar , coincide , concur , conform

noun

adverse , antithesis , comparison , contradiction , contradistinction , contraposition , contrariety , converse , differentiation , disagreement , disparity , dissimilarity , dissimilitude , distinction , divergence , diversity , foil , heterogeneity , incompatibility , incongruousness , inconsistency , inequality , inverse , oppositeness , opposition , reverse , unlikeness , variance , variationnotes:compare emphasizes the similarities between or among things , though not losing sight of the differences; contrast emphasizes the differences , counterpoint

verb

balance , be a foil to , be contrary to , be dissimilar , be diverse , be unlike , be variable , bracket , collate , conflict , contradict , depart , deviate , differentiate , disagree , distinguish , diverge , hang , hold a candle to , match up , mismatch , oppose , separate , set in opposition , set off , stack up against , stand out , vary , weighnotes:compare emphasizes the similarities between or among things , though not losing sight of the differences; contrast emphasizes the differences , antithesis , comparison , differ , difference , dissimilarity , divergence , diversity , opposite , show up