compare and contrast

verb

To assess both the similarities and the differences between two or more things.

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Meanings

verbcompare and contrast (third-person singular simple present compares and contrasts, present participle comparing and contrasting, simple past and past participle compared and contrasted)

present singular third person compares and contrasts · participle present comparing and contrasting · participle past compared and contrasted · past compared and contrasted

  1. transitiveTo assess both the similarities and the differences between two or more things.

    Explain how to use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast information: […]

    2014 February 1, Garth Sundem, Biography Strategy Lesson--Compare and Contrast, Teacher Created Materials, →ISBN, page 18
    1 more example

    How well have you grasped the tips and tricks for comparing and contrasting literature? Based on your performance and self-evaluation, decide if you're ready to move on to the next chapter or if you would like to take another pass[…]

    2014 July 15, Sandra K. Athans, Robin W. Parente, Tips & Tricks for Comparing and Contrasting Texts, The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, →ISBN, page 32
Cite this entry
APA

compare and contrast. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/compare%20and%20contrast

MLA

“compare and contrast.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/compare%20and%20contrast. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “compare and contrast,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/compare%20and%20contrast.

Source: compare and contrast on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.