make all the difference

phrase

: to be very important : to matter most or very much
The size of the engine can make all the difference.
It may not matter to you, but it makes all the difference in the world to me.

Examples of make all the difference in a Sentence

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During exertion tests in hot environments, co-founder Roland Washington says people wearing the device have been able to maintain core temperatures of up to 2°F lower than those without, which can make all the difference. — Hannah Singleton, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Sharing letters of recommendation from someone who knows and is willing to vouch for a candidate and their work can make all the difference, particularly in a competitive job market and especially for less experienced workers. — Christina Wyman, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 Any designer will tell you that the change needn’t be drastic; something as simple as upgrading your bed linens or introducing a new lamp can make all the difference. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026 Thomas Traumann, a political consultant based in Rio de Janeiro, says last-minute mistakes by either candidate or by their allies could make all the difference for undecided voters. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for make all the difference

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Cite this Entry

“Make all the difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20all%20the%20difference. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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