Comment by righthand

Probably because the word “contrast” has been subsumed by the word “compare”.

From thefreedictionary.com for contrast:

> contrast to examine differences; a striking exhibition of unlikeness: The contrast of styles intensified the impact of the paintings.

> Not to be confused with: compare – to liken; relate; examine similarities: compare the shades of blue

You can’t compare apples to oranges unless you talk about their similarities (round objects, fruits, etc). Similarities don’t offer any new value to the conversation of apples and oranges. You can “contrast” apples and oranges (red, orange, better, worse). Which adds new analysis to the topic.