1
as in excellence
exceptionally high quality
a shop selling native handicrafts of distinction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth
has the distinction of being the oldest house in the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accolade
public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement
I did all of the work, and the other guy got all the distinction
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in dominance
the fact or state of being above others in rank or importance
a number of physicians of national distinction serve on the staff of the teaching hospital
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement
won a number of distinctions in her long career as an actress
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in difference
the quality or state of being different
the distinction between the two photographic prints escapes me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in separation
the state of being kept distinct
the distinction between liberty and license is often violated in today's freewheeling society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinction
Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, said there are distinctions between private destinations and private excursions.
—
Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Tom Flores was the first person to achieve this distinction.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
But whatever the moral and logistical shortcomings evident on both sides, Brundage draws a clear distinction between North and South.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
The same individuals occupy the top roles — often simultaneously — with one key distinction.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Tom Flores was the first person to achieve this distinction.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
But whatever the moral and logistical shortcomings evident on both sides, Brundage draws a clear distinction between North and South.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
The same individuals occupy the top roles — often simultaneously — with one key distinction.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
Robb demonstrates excellence in both her academic and extracurricular pursuits.—
Darla Rivera,
Oklahoman,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Pettit said District 86’s long history of educational excellence was key in his interest to come.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And the country’s colossal pharma production industry is gearing up to take advantage by selling generic versions.—
Ayushi Shah,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
-
But turning this moment into lasting advantage will require careful planning, not just short-term opportunism.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The win marks the latest accolade for the song, which has already earned a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award, in addition to an Academy Award nomination.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
7 Feb. 2026
-
African films depicting same-sex relationships have historically been censored on the continent, including those that garnered international accolades.—
Preeti Jha,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Her impressive athleticism and recent dominance on the international circuit had her entering Milan riding a high.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The Dangote Refinery’s increasing dominance of the local supply of refined petrol is expanding its role in determining the market price.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Continue reading … ULTIMATE SACRIFICE – Staff sergeant's selfless battlefield sacrifice earns nation's highest military award.—
,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Over the last several seasons of the Movies Fantasy League, the one thing that’s been more consistent than the movies, the awards, or Timmy Chalamet scoring a hit in December has been all you players coming up with some of the most clever, goofy, dumb, sometimes filthy names for your teams.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That difference — that scissor that is happening in the sled — is what gives you steering.—
Jayson Jenks,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The Minneapolis police chief says the difference between their policies on dealing with protesters and what federal officers have been doing is immediately clear.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Then, there’s a period of separation, followed by Heathcliff’s return, having made his own fortune.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Ensuring safe separation between aircraft is vital to preventing tragedies like the collision over the Potomac River, and reports of serious safety concerns from airline pilots paint a troubling picture of safety over Burbank in particular.—
Marc Scribner,
Oc Register,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Education was considered an individual pursuit marked by moral excellency and only the students who did the best in school would have proceeded to higher education.—
Sara Novak,
Discover Magazine,
12 Nov. 2024
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Zurich said the Game Changer Award pays tribute to excellency in the film business with a focus on leaders that not only cherish change and forward-thinking approaches in the business, but also stand for the DNA of what cinema has represented since its invention.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinction. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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