1
as in to differentiate
to understand or point out the difference in
even at such a young age, he could distinguish the calls of various birds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of
a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to identify
to find out or establish the identity of
learned at an early age to distinguish the sound of a piano in an orchestra
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
could barely distinguish the garden gate through the mist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type
on the exam we were asked to distinguish the specimens by acidity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distinguish
The study couldn’t distinguish whether participants chose to retire or were forced to, even though that likely impacts mental health.
—
New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
The rise of Ethnic Studies programs in the 1960s offered Jewish Studies scholars another way of seeing their field, even though its foundation in Religious Studies and its institutional particularities have always distinguished it from those disciplines.
—Josh Lambert, JSTOR Daily, 19 Sep. 2025
The tally does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 19 Sep. 2025
These figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
The rise of Ethnic Studies programs in the 1960s offered Jewish Studies scholars another way of seeing their field, even though its foundation in Religious Studies and its institutional particularities have always distinguished it from those disciplines.
—Josh Lambert, JSTOR Daily, 19 Sep. 2025
The tally does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 19 Sep. 2025
These figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish
Verb
-
These perspectives are unique to your organization and can serve as the foundation to inspire and differentiate from competitors who focus solely on product capabilities.—
Guy Murrel,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
This extra slice of American cheese differentiates the Double Cheeseburger from the McDouble.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The house, which comes with a private boat dock and direct river access, is characterized by original architectural details from the period, a steep, pitched roof with cross gables, expansive dormer windows, intricate decorative wood trim and a wrap-around porch.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
20 Sep. 2025
-
James’ lawyers have vigorously denied any allegations and characterized the investigation as an act of political revenge.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Henderson, a black 17-year-old student, identified as incel and expressed antisemitic, nihilistic, and occult beliefs, according to the Anti-Defamation League.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The swift police response and use of video surveillance technology proved crucial in identifying and apprehending the shooter.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His mother, Lucia Ayala, visited him weekly and noticed the onset of a cough, the outlet said.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Security sweep on course As the Republican candidate stood on the fifth-hole putting green last September, Fercano, the Secret Service agent, was riding a golf cart in a security sweep of the sixth hole and noticed someone hiding behind a chain-link fence in the southeast corner of the course.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Organizations should classify what’s safe, semi-risky and fully restricted to avoid regulatory or security disasters.—
Cory McNeley,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
But the dogs in this new study developed the ability to classify their toys by function with no formal training, merely by playing naturally with their owners.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Fanucci hopes to foster conversations and community among her 30,000 followers, exploring how believers can discern divine presence and direction during life's most challenging times.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The private jet use marketplace is competitive, and the customers are discerning.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The 23-year-old winger dropped from a career-high 57 points in 2023-24 to 45 last season, and finding ways to get him back on track is a top priority.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The laptop's standard 1600p screen is its standout feature, displaying superior detail and sharpness to the full HD panels often found in this price bracket.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The slough, which can be seen from the BART pedestrian bridge that brings event attendees into the Coliseum grounds, also receives runoff from the Arroyo Viejo and Lion creeks, a pair of urban streams known for their pollution.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The Raiders had a chance to get even closer at the end of the half, but saw the clock run out after a Smith scramble to the five.—
Matt Roy,
Boston Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguish. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share