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
But the erstwhile allies then differed over plans for a new transition and the integration of the RSF rebel group into the regular army.
—
Kate Bartlett, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
There are no provisions in Texas state law that prohibit dogs from riding in open truck beds, but local ordinances may differ.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2024
The situation differs from four years ago when Bitcoin was trading under $9,000 and most of the mining activity took place in China.
—David Pan, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2024
But the trial itself also differed from earlier iterations of reality television.
—Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2024
Weather can also change rapidly and differ dramatically, depending on the elevation.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
The competitive landscape differs from many other parts of the world thanks to Showmax being a serious local competitor to the global streaming platforms.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
This differs from a loss of power, where the ship loses its ability to generate power for all systems onboard, including propulsion.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 8 Apr. 2024
Go wild with crystals of differing shapes, sizes and colors, and finish with an extra glossy layer of clear polish for a final touch of dazzling shine.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2024
Kate Bartlett, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
There are no provisions in Texas state law that prohibit dogs from riding in open truck beds, but local ordinances may differ.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2024
The situation differs from four years ago when Bitcoin was trading under $9,000 and most of the mining activity took place in China.
—David Pan, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2024
But the trial itself also differed from earlier iterations of reality television.
—Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2024
Weather can also change rapidly and differ dramatically, depending on the elevation.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
The competitive landscape differs from many other parts of the world thanks to Showmax being a serious local competitor to the global streaming platforms.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
This differs from a loss of power, where the ship loses its ability to generate power for all systems onboard, including propulsion.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 8 Apr. 2024
Go wild with crystals of differing shapes, sizes and colors, and finish with an extra glossy layer of clear polish for a final touch of dazzling shine.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'differ.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near differ
Cite this Entry
“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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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