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
As with the pro-Israel rally in Farmington Hills, participants invoked the message of Passover, but had differing views, linking the ancient stories of the Jewish people seeking freedom to support for Palestinians.
—
Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 28 Apr. 2024
There are differing accounts of the agonizing dispute as residents and their homeowners association tried to stop the new condo.
—Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
These broods will not only emerge simultaneously but will also intermingle with each other despite differing life cycles.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
The process of obtaining auto insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, considering the differing mix of requirements in each state, extra options and the confusing industry and legal jargon used by insurers.
—Damian J. Troise, Quartz, 26 Apr. 2024
One reveals the social and economic realities of Northern Ireland as John meets and considers families and individuals from all walks of life with differing financial statuses, making the ideal household gradually clear to us and to John.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024
The approach certainly differed from that of U2, whose 40-date residency launched in September and ended last month.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
Inside the cup, the glaze coats a rough-hewn interior that differs from cup to cup.
—Jaina Grey, WIRED, 22 Apr. 2024
The Iranian version of the readout differed by stating Putin characterized the strike as the best way to punish Israel, according to a report from Iran state media.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 28 Apr. 2024
There are differing accounts of the agonizing dispute as residents and their homeowners association tried to stop the new condo.
—Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
These broods will not only emerge simultaneously but will also intermingle with each other despite differing life cycles.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
The process of obtaining auto insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, considering the differing mix of requirements in each state, extra options and the confusing industry and legal jargon used by insurers.
—Damian J. Troise, Quartz, 26 Apr. 2024
One reveals the social and economic realities of Northern Ireland as John meets and considers families and individuals from all walks of life with differing financial statuses, making the ideal household gradually clear to us and to John.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024
The approach certainly differed from that of U2, whose 40-date residency launched in September and ended last month.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
Inside the cup, the glaze coats a rough-hewn interior that differs from cup to cup.
—Jaina Grey, WIRED, 22 Apr. 2024
The Iranian version of the readout differed by stating Putin characterized the strike as the best way to punish Israel, according to a report from Iran state media.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 22 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 3 May. 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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