verb

contrasting

/kənˈtræstɪŋ/ · say it: kuhn·TRAS·ting

strikingly different

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (verb) showing clear differences between two or more things

2. (adjective) strikingly different from something else in a way that is easy to notice

Examples

1. The report contrasts the old system with the new one.
2. The black background provides a contrasting color to the white text.

How to use contrasting

As a verb, 'contrasting' emphasizes the act of revealing or comparing differences, often to highlight how dissimilar things are. As an adjective, it describes things that stand out visually or conceptually because they are markedly different. It is commonly used in academic writing, analysis, and descriptions where differences are significant or striking.

Common phrases

contrasting colors
contrasting styles
contrasting with
in contrast to
sharply contrasting
starkly contrasting

Synonyms

comparing · highlighting differences · juxtaposing · setting apart · distinguishing

Opposites

matching · blending · harmonizing

Word family

contrast (noun, verb) · contrastive (adjective) · contrastingly (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'contrasting' when they simply mean 'different' without implying active comparison; true contrasting suggests deliberate juxtaposition or a clear, noticeable difference in relation to something else.

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