DIFFERENTIAL Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

differential

adjective

ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl

Definition of differential

as in discriminatory

favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of differential Also, all the differential, traction control, and suspension are a simplified version of the real car. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026 When applied to reactor exhaust lines, the device performs a task called differential pumping. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 The switch sits right next to the differential lock controls for off-road control. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Privacy-preserving techniques such as differential privacy, federated learning, and on-device modeling let a publisher predict reader behavior without ever assembling an identifiable profile in a central warehouse. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 If necessary, tiebreakers include head-to-head matchups, point differential, total points and, if needed, a random drawing. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state. — New York Times, 30 June 2026 That 232-run jump is the largest year-over-year run differential improvement in club history. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 June 2026 Those European sides knew that a German victory by no more than 2-0 would advance both teams based on goal differential. — Pete Grathoff june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for differential

Adjective

The policy prohibits using ALPR data for personal use, gathering information solely regarding free speech, political or religious activity, and using the data for discriminatory purposes.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
Many commenters highlight his targeting of Lisa Cook, a Black woman, as an example of his discriminatory actions.

— Katherine Doyle, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of discriminatory

Adjective

International rights groups have repeatedly criticized the detention and, in some cases, execution of people after unfair trials.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Murmurs about the power of politicians and unfair advantages of the rich were heard as participants warmed up to each other.

— Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfair

Browse Nearby Words

differentiae

differential

differentiate

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“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/differential. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of differential

adjective

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