Synonyms 1. inconsistency, variation, diversity, imbalance, inequality, divergence, contrast, contrariety.
Difference, discrepancy, disparity, dissimilarity imply perceivable unlikeness, variation, or diversity.
Difference refers to a lack of identity or a degree of unlikeness:
a difference of opinion; a difference of six inches. Discrepancy usually refers to an inconsistency between things that should agree, balance, or harmonize:
a discrepancy between the statements of two witnesses. Disparity implies inequality, often where a greater equality might reasonably be expected:
a great disparity between the ages of husband and wife. Dissimilarity indicates an essential lack of resemblance between things in some respect comparable:
a dissimilarity between social customs in Asia and America. 6. See distinction.