All 4 Uses of

contrast

in

True Believer, by Sparks

With oak-paneled walls, mahogany flooring, and burgundy curtains, the cavernous, open room stood in stark contrast to the area downstairs.†
Chpt 4 *

contrast = notable difference

Downtown appeared in sharp focus, in contrast to the dreamy, misty images he remembered.†
Chpt 22 *

in contrast = in a comparison that shows differences

He'd looked more excited than the children, which made for a funny contrast with his bulging biceps, and she remembered thinking to herself that he'd be the kind of father who would make any wife proud.†
Chpt 9

It was nautical in theme, and the navy curtains provided a nice contrast to the wooden end tables and dresser.†
Chpt 14

Definitions:

(1) (contrast as in: contrast their writing styles)
point to differences between; or compare to show differences
(2) (contrast as in: there is a contrast)
a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
(3) (contrast as in: sharpen the picture contrast)
the difference between tones of an image -- as in a photo or video -- such as the quality of brightness or the intensity of shades or colors
(4) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)