distinguish

verb

dis·tin·guish | \ di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish

distinguished; distinguishing; distinguishes

Definition of distinguish

transitive verb

1 : to perceive a difference in : mentally separate so alike they could not be distinguished

2a : to mark as separate or different a policy that distinguishes him from other candidates

b : to separate into kinds, classes, or categories distinguish words by their part of speech

c : to make noteworthy or remarkable : to give prominence or distinction (see distinction sense 4) to distinguished themselves as pioneers of hip-hop

d : characterize recipes distinguished by simplicity

3a : discern distinguished a light in the distance could barely distinguish them in the fog

b : to single out : take special notice of

intransitive verb

: to perceive a difference distinguish between right and wrong

Other Words from distinguish Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about distinguish

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Other Words from distinguish

distinguishability \ di-ˌstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

distinguishable \ di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-bəl

\ adjective

distinguishably \ di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-blē

\ adverb

Examples of distinguish in a Sentence

You're old enough to distinguish between fact and fantasy. I have trouble distinguishing between the two of them. I have trouble distinguishing the difference between the two of them. You should be able to distinguish fact from fantasy. The only thing that distinguishes the dogs is their bark. The singer's voice is what distinguishes the band. You can't distinguish the detail from this distance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Vogueworld Meet the Top 14 Models of Fall 2019 In the age of social media, landing a coveted runway exclusive is no longer the sole way for a new face to distinguish herself during Fashion Month. — Vogue, "Meet the Top 14 Models of Fall 2019," 13 Mar. 2019 This opening sets up how this version of Watership Down will distinguish itself — by emphasizing all the parts of the narrative that involve perpetual dread. — Aja Romano, Vox, "Netflix’s new Watership Down proves the beloved children’s classic was a horror story all along," 30 Dec. 2018 County Commission candidates have sought to distinguish themselves on the subjects of taxes, transit, and zoning. — Meris Lutz, ajc, "Taxes likely to dominate May 22 Cobb primaries," 5 May 2018 The Bajadasaurus belongs to a group of sauropods called Dicraeosaurids, distinguished by this unusual punk-rocker morphology. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "Newly Discovered Dinos Had Badass Bone Mohawks," 7 Feb. 2019 However, these variations can’t be distinguished by the naked eye – that’s where the smartphone camera comes in. — Allison Barrie, Fox News, "Innovative project harnesses Legos and smartphones in the fight against invisible, deadly weapons," 13 July 2018 All eight teams are called the Ballers, with teams distinguished by their nominal hometowns. — Dylan Hernandez, latimes.com, "Beyond hype, hope for young players in LaVar Ball's basketball league," 22 June 2018 Rodriguez, distinguished by his long flowing locks of hair, got his opportunity at the end of May when Samardzija went on the disabled list, completing a rapid ascent to the majors after converting from outfield to the mound in 2014. — Craig Davis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Giants' South Florida pitching duo Andrew Suarez, Dereck Rodriguez to face Marlins," 12 June 2018 The region’s researchers and companies are distinguished by innovative drugs, some of which have changed the entire landscape around disease treatment. — Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "From cancer to genetic diseases, San Diego's march of drugs progresses," 10 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distinguish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.