plural distinctions
1
: a difference that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : a noticeable difference between things or people
These dogs are different breeds, but this distinction is lost on most people. [=most people do not see a difference between these dogs]
There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.
distinctions between social classes
She made/drew a distinction between the words "less" and "fewer."
2
: the separation of people or things into different groups
The law should be enforced without distinction as to race, sex, or religion. [=the law should not treat people of different races, sexes, or religions differently]
3
: importance, excellence, or achievement
He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.
Her talents gave distinction to the work.
She was a politician of some distinction. [=she was a distinguished politician]
4
: a special honor, recognition, or award
She's won many distinctions.
(Brit) She was awarded a distinction for her dissertation.
They should give him the distinction he deserves.
He graduated with distinction. [=with special awards or recognition]
5
: the quality that makes a person or thing special or different
—+ of
It had the distinction of being the oldest house in the city.
The city bears the dubious distinction of being the most polluted in the nation.
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/distinction. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.
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