distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən 

1

: the act of perceiving someone or something as being not the same and often treating as separate or different : the distinguishing of a difference

without distinction as to race, sex, or religion

also : the difference distinguished

the distinction between imply and infer

2

: something that distinguishes

regional distinctions

3

: the quality or state of being distinguishable

no distinction of facial features in the twins

4

a

: the quality or state of being excellent or superior : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy

a politician of some distinction

b

: special honor or recognition

took a law degree with distinction

won many distinctions

c

: an accomplishment that sets one apart

holds the distinction of being the only American to win the prize

5

a

: class sense 4

Mr. Hemingway's … prose is of the first distinction.

—Edmund Wilson

b

archaic : division

Synonyms of distinction

• excellence
• excellency

Examples of distinction in a Sentence

There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.

She made a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”

He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.

Her talents gave distinction to the work.

Recent Examples on the Web

The companies are hoping the distinction will shield them from litigation that accuses the businesses of running unlicensed gaming operations. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026

For someone in their 50s or 60s with significant assets in traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, this distinction carries serious weight. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026

Uthmeier, however, rejected that distinction, pointing to cases in which undocumented immigrants committed serious crimes and arguing that immigration violations themselves carry public safety risks. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026

The pubs worth knowing now O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub in downtown San Jose has built its reputation around soccer watch parties, and that distinction matters. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5b

Phrases Containing distinction

• with distinction

Rhymes for distinction

• extinction
• contradistinction
• tinction

Kids Definition

distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən 

1

a

: the seeing or pointing out of a difference

b

: difference sense 1

the distinction between good and evil

2

: something that makes a person or thing special or different

the distinction of being the oldest house in the city

3

a

: particular excellence

served with distinction

b

: special honor or recognition