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

Another important distinction between CrowdStrike and Databricks is that CrowdStrike creates its own data, while Databricks helps customers store and analyze it. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026

In court filings and dealings with the Justice Department, Ver had always denied dodging his tax bill intentionally — a key distinction between a criminal and civil tax violation — and claimed to have relied on the advice of accountants and tax attorneys. —Avi Asher-Schapiro, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026

The distinction between world and cockpit isn’t noticeable except at the edges of experience, such as during extreme episodes of drug intoxication and, well, death. —Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

First, for the uninitiated, Arnander drew a distinction between the London festival and the original in Austin, Texas, which celebrated its 40th edition this month. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 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