What is Contrast? Contrast means difference, especially when that difference is very noticeable. It usually shows up in pairs: steak and salad, salt and pepper, table and chairs, hero and villain, etc. Contrast often means “opposite”: for example, black is the opposite of white, and so there’s a contrast between black ink and white paper.

The word “contrast” means to examine two or more items to identify their differences. When you contrast, you look for distinct features or characteristics that set the items apart. For example, if you contrast two books, you might examine their plots, genres, or tones.

stand in contrast to / with, to show a striking difference when compared to or with: The actor’s on-screen gun violence stands in contrast to her real-life persona as an advocate for gun control. by contrast. by contrast. compare and contrast. compare and contrast.