as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
a novice birder still learning the distinguishing features of various finches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in differentiating
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterizing
to be an important feature of
a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in identifying
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 noticing
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 classifying
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
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Recent Examples of distinguishing
Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Yet distinguishing between truly innovative improvements and low-value extensions has been challenging for regulators and courts.
—Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Instead of focusing on ambient sound levels, the marine biologists on this team were primarily interested in distinguishing mating calls.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 2025
The distinguishing factor lies in offering complete confidence to buyers who expect more than just salesmanship.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The odd one out is the shape with no distinguishing features.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
All black holes with the same mass and spin must be the same, with no distinguishing features.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
Kraft Heinz also had trouble distinguishing its products from cheaper store brands.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
That means distinguishing between the two types of SEEs could vastly improve space weather predictions.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
This is not distinguishing Russia.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Yet distinguishing between truly innovative improvements and low-value extensions has been challenging for regulators and courts.
—Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Instead of focusing on ambient sound levels, the marine biologists on this team were primarily interested in distinguishing mating calls.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 2025
The distinguishing factor lies in offering complete confidence to buyers who expect more than just salesmanship.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The odd one out is the shape with no distinguishing features.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
All black holes with the same mass and spin must be the same, with no distinguishing features.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
Kraft Heinz also had trouble distinguishing its products from cheaper store brands.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
That means distinguishing between the two types of SEEs could vastly improve space weather predictions.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguishing
Adjective
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To achieve the characteristic soap-nails effect, the color should be applied in thin layers and have a glossy finish, imitating the transparency and freshness of a wet bar of soap.—
Irene Reyes,
Glamour,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Nishijima brings his characteristic intensity to Kenji, a man whose academic arrogance masks deep insecurity and desperation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In addition to the cohosts getting into memorable spats over Harris' bid for the presidency, during a pre-2024 election interview on the show in October of last year, Harris responded to one of Hostin's questions that inquired about differentiating herself from President Biden's policies.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Sep. 2025
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Beyond differentiating between the sounds, the team also confirmed consistent seasonal patterns in the grouper’s spawning activity that are closely linked to lunar cycles.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Following Kirk's killing, Jezebel removed the original article, issuing a statement characterizing it as humor and reiterating that the publication condoned neither physical harm nor political violence.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
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Longtime Pentagon press corps members and press freedom groups roundly condemned the move, characterizing it as an alarming shift away from decades of precedent set by previous administrations.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Instead, companies need a continuous optimization cycle that involves systematically identifying processes for automation, prioritizing them based on an impact-versus-effort analysis, and deploying the best available solution at that moment.—
Bob Violino,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
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That share has been steady for about a decade but remains slightly lower than in 2007, when Catholics comprised 24% of Americans; in 2023, the center noted that the portion of Latinos identifying as Catholic since 2010 had fallen from 67% to 43%.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This is surprisingly difficult to do without getting distracted, and a core part of the exercise is noticing the distraction and returning to the counting.—
Masha Remskar,
The Conversation,
23 Sep. 2025
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And working people are noticing this.—
Jason Lemon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Forecasters give Sherrill an advantage, with both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball classifying the race as Leans Democrat.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
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Without establishing any link to last week’s shooting, the Republican president and members of his administration have discussed classifying some groups as domestic terrorists, ordering racketeering investigations and revoking tax-exempt status for progressive nonprofits.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The red planet owes its distinctive hue to an oxidizing process that rusts iron present in the rocks and dust of Mars.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
24 Sep. 2025
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The hotel's architecture features the distinctive geometric patterns and organic designs associated with Wright's work.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Along the way, expect river views, a majestic fall color palette, and the occasional wildlife spotting.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
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Shoppers have already started spotting Pumpkin Caramel Kringles in the weekly ALDI Finds section for $7, compared to the $10 price tag at Trader Joe’s, making this indulgent treat even more tempting to grab on your next grocery run.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinguishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguishing. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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