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
While her key policy stances differ little from the president, his Veep, Kamala Harris is a California liberal, likely to put more emphasis on minorities in areas such as education and housing, on working class welfare programs and on such liberal measures as liberalizing marijuana.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
While the apartment layouts differ between buildings, the decor in all common areas is relatively minimal — they’re supplied with a couch, a small dining table and a coffee table.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 10 July 2024
Studies show the temperature in urban areas can differ from 12-18°F between the hottest and coolest neighborhoods—and much of that variation is due to differences in tree cover and green space.
—Carlos Claussell Velez, TIME, 9 July 2024
The attacks differ from the more common GPS jamming, which simply interferes with the signal between the satellite and the receiver.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for differ 
David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
While the apartment layouts differ between buildings, the decor in all common areas is relatively minimal — they’re supplied with a couch, a small dining table and a coffee table.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 10 July 2024
Studies show the temperature in urban areas can differ from 12-18°F between the hottest and coolest neighborhoods—and much of that variation is due to differences in tree cover and green space.
—Carlos Claussell Velez, TIME, 9 July 2024
The attacks differ from the more common GPS jamming, which simply interferes with the signal between the satellite and the receiver.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for differ
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 15 Jul. 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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