Different from vs. Different than

Different from

/ˈdɪfərənt frəm/

Not the same as; having distinct characteristics from another thing

Examples:

The taste of this sauce is different from what I expected.Snowboarding is very different from skiing in many aspects.Her approach is different from her predecessor's strategies.

Synonyms:

dissimilardivergentdistinct

Antonyms:

alikeidenticallike

Different than

/ˈdɪf.ɚ.ənt ˌðæn/

A comparative phrase used to show a distinction between two things.

Examples:

His approach was different than any we had seen before.The texture of the fabric is different than cotton.Her voice sounded different than it usually does.

Synonyms:

unlike

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

• Different from is the traditional form typically recommended by grammar experts.
• Different than is sometimes used in American English, particularly in informal contexts.
• Both phrases mean to indicate a distinction or difference between things.
• When in doubt, using different from is often safer and widely accepted globally.
• Some consider different than as less formal or more colloquial.