1
as in to differentiate
to understand or point out the difference in
even at such a young age, he could distinguish the calls of various birds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of
a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to identify
to find out or establish the identity of
learned at an early age to distinguish the sound of a piano in an orchestra
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
could barely distinguish the garden gate through the mist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type
on the exam we were asked to distinguish the specimens by acidity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinguish
Opportunism did seem to be Henie’s distinguishing trait.
—
Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
That requires policymakers to distinguish between ideas that sound compassionate and policies that work.
—J.d. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Athletic organizations commonly distinguish between competitive leagues that select for ability and open leagues that emphasize fun for all.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
The bill doesn’t distinguish between misdemeanor and felony crimes, though, and the description of what constitutes a face covering could be somewhat vague, Gross said.
—Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
That requires policymakers to distinguish between ideas that sound compassionate and policies that work.
—J.d. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Athletic organizations commonly distinguish between competitive leagues that select for ability and open leagues that emphasize fun for all.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
The bill doesn’t distinguish between misdemeanor and felony crimes, though, and the description of what constitutes a face covering could be somewhat vague, Gross said.
—Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish
Verb
-
These are placed in P6 cell culture dishes and differentiated by an orbital shaker.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Younger siblings often play more dangerous sports, research shows, as a way to differentiate themselves.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The governor has taken the approach to the tabloid that has characterized his treatment of other critics on the right.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Unlike other hibernating animals such as bears, groundhogs do not enter a light-sleep state characterized by inactivity.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Authorities identified one victim who was killed when an elderly driver crashed her silver Mercedes sedan into a 99 Ranch Market in Westwood Thursday — an incident that resulted in the death of three people and left several others injured.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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To seat a jury of eight with four alternates, the defense notes, the court must qualify at least 43 jurors, something attorneys argue is unlikely given the number of disqualifications already identified.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But after COLAs were paid for a couple of years, someone noticed the formula was wrong.—
Tom Margenau,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of waiting for their behavior to reach crisis mode, parents learn to notice patterns early, stay calm, and guide them through the turbulence of growing up.—
Dorian Johnson,
Parents,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Without that key step, you can’t be classified as a true star; the presence of those fusion reactions, where hydrogen gets fused into helium, separates stars from all other heavenly bodies.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Jurors were asked to decide whether Uber, through its branding and actions, led Dean to reasonably believe her driver was acting on Uber’s behalf — even though drivers are classified as independent contractors.—
Miguel Torres,
Oklahoman,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Far from passive, quiet leaders actively discern when to speak, ensuring their words carry significant weight and impact through strategic restraint.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
For more than 40 years, their expert guides have led discerning travelers into the heart of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled destinations for truly extraordinary experiences.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Excavators digging at Sizewell C found 321 silver coins last year, dating back between 1036 and 1044.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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These recommendations are based, in part, on studies that have found higher relapse rates among those who stop taking the medication versus those who do not.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Another source said the comedian was once frequently spotted around town over the summer but hasn't been seen since.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Ukrainian civilians are struggling with one of the coldest winters in years, which saw temperatures dip to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguish. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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