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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
He’s earned five APSE Top 10 distinctions, most recently in the Long Features category in 2024.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
There’s a distinction between grappling with reality, however, and indulging unduly in cynicism.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
That distinction might be one reason why the Coastal Commission expected more detail in the city’s proposal than is actually there.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
The distinction is unrelated to the National Park Service, which manages parks, national monuments, and historic sites across the country.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
There’s a distinction between grappling with reality, however, and indulging unduly in cynicism.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
That distinction might be one reason why the Coastal Commission expected more detail in the city’s proposal than is actually there.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
The distinction is unrelated to the National Park Service, which manages parks, national monuments, and historic sites across the country.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
She was selected as one of just 100 high school seniors across San Diego County to receive this honor, recognizing her academic excellence and leadership.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
-
Through strategic integration of emerging payment technologies, companies can ensure their payment acceptance policies and experiences are a driving force behind customer satisfaction, operational excellence, cost optimization and competitive differentiation on a global scale.—
Bob Purcell,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The researchers found that the flamingos use the motion of water to their advantage, combining techniques to funnel water—and the invertebrates within it—to their mouths.—
Sara Hashemi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
-
Build combinations for maximum impact The most powerful advantage comes from unique combinations.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Each year teams of anonymous Michelin inspectors scour tasting menu restaurants, food stalls, neighborhood spots, wine bars and beyond for its compendium that can rate restaurants from one to three stars: accolades widely recognized as one of the highest achievements in the restaurant industry.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
-
On Instagram, the restaurant’s owner Tuan Le expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide and to customers for the accolade.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Regarding $100 Million All-Star, MVP This year, it's been more of the same dominance for Skenes, as he's made eight starts, sporting a 2.77 ERA with 47 strikeouts across 48.2 innings pitched.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 May 2025
-
Jada assured that all Los Angeles artists get spins in their hometown, however, Fat Joe had more to say about the Grammy-winner’s dominance.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The one-time $60 million equity award is in non-qualified stock options that will vest after three years, with no additional annual equity awards during the first three years of his employment.—
Sriparna Roy,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Titled Filmmaking & Distribution – in partnership with Cannes Next, the award will recognize companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers whose technologies are reshaping how films are produced, financed, and distributed.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Another main difference is that white sharks have large gill slits, while basking sharks have extra large gill slits.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
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Whatever tension and differences around in the lead-up, of course, the finished product was a thing of movie magic, with Julie Andrews bringing the umbrella-twirling nanny to heartwarming life.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
EW.com,
10 May 2025
Noun
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Florida played from behind all of Game 1, failed to get any separation in Game 2 and had to rally from multiple two-goal deficits in Game 3.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
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One of the biggest distinctions between a dedicated business owner and someone simply with some side freelance income is the separation of business and personal funds.—
Vlad Rusz,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
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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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
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinction. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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