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compare and contrast

American  
[kuhm-pair uhn kuhn-trast] / kəmˈpɛər ən kənˈtræst /

idiom

  1. to consider (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in a way that examines both similarities and differences.

    The presentation will compare and contrast the Canadian income tax system with the U.S. system.


Etymology

Origin of compare and contrast

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A new era of artificial-intelligence models mean the inevitable race to compare and contrast just how good they are.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

I think it might make sense to compare and contrast the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense a bit.

From Slate • Jun. 19, 2025

Women's sport takes centre stage across the BBC this summer and it is an ideal time to bring the trio together, to compare and contrast stories and hear how preparations are going.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2025

They say they can compare and contrast eras since they have lived them — Steiner grew up listening to Scully call games for the Brooklyn Dodgers; Monday played 19 years in the major leagues.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2023

In terms of analysis, solfege instantly informs the listener or singer which lines of music are the same and helps them compare and contrast each line rather quickly!

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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