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

Desire, attention and performance begin to collapse into one another until the distinction between observer and participant becomes unstable. —Andrew S. Jacobson, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026

Licensed in Texas, New York, and Oklahoma, he has also been honored by Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Lawyers of Distinction, and Elite Lawyer, adding further distinction to his name. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 13 May 2026

The Banff World Media Festival has unveiled honorees for its Rockie Awards gala in June, led by Community star Ken Jeong, who will receive the Sir Peter Ustinov comedy award, and Beverly Hills, 90210 actor Jason Priestley, who will receive an award of distinction. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

But now the iconic designer, who can also count France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur as well as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) among his accolades, can add another distinction to his repertoire. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 13 May 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