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Synonyms

split the difference

Idioms  
  1. Compromise between two close figures, divide the remainder equally. For example, You're asking $5,000 for the car and I'm offering $4,000; let's split the difference and make it $4,500. [c. 1700]


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.

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It’s understandable he wanted to split the difference and make a midsize indie that feels all his, to prove himself with the kind of solemn period picture that people take seriously.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

If Japan makes you nervous, split the difference.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 12, 2025

A few plan to bypass the grid indefinitely, and others expect to split the difference, using a mix of grid and on-site power.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2025

Wyndham Clark hit a 65 to close on 11 under, Gotterup a 67 for -12 and English split the difference with a 66 to finish a shot better still in outright second.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2025

How many times had he used me as a go-between to deliver packages to her, undercharging her so that later they could split the difference?

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

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