Synonyms for contrast

noun

1. The state of being sharply different

   divergence, incompatibility, disparity, variation, variance, dissimilarity, inequality, distinction, incongruousness, heterogeneity, oppositeness, contradiction, dissimilitude, diversity, unlikeness, disagreement, opposition; see also difference 1.

   Antonyms agreement*, similarity, uniformity.

2. A contrasting effect

   contrariety, antithesis, contradiction, inconsistency, foil, reverse, contraposition, inverse, adverse, converse, opposition; see also difference 2, opposite.

   Antonyms equality*, unity, oneness, sameness.

verb

1. To provide a contrast

   contradict, disagree, conflict, set off, be contrary to, diverge, depart from, deviate from, differ from, mismatch, vary, show difference, stand out, be dissimilar, be diverse, be variable, be unlike, be a foil to; see also differ 1, oppose 1.

   Antonyms agree*, concur, be identical.

2. To indicate a contrast

   oppose, differentiate, set over, set off against; see compare 2, distinguish 1. See syn. study at compare.