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
That’s a significant distinction.
—
ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2025
Harwicz’s novels are more hallucinatory than supernatural—but a more provocative distinction between her books and others in this semi-subgenre is that, for her characters, motherhood does not cause animal rage and instability so much as instantiate them.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
The album is now vying for the overall sales week record, a distinction long held by Adele for 2015’s 25.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
Asteroids are larger rocks in space, but there's no official distinction.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2025
Harwicz’s novels are more hallucinatory than supernatural—but a more provocative distinction between her books and others in this semi-subgenre is that, for her characters, motherhood does not cause animal rage and instability so much as instantiate them.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
The album is now vying for the overall sales week record, a distinction long held by Adele for 2015’s 25.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
Asteroids are larger rocks in space, but there's no official distinction.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
Given the excellence of the Dodgers’ rotation, the Brewers may feel pressure to create, well, pressure.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Hosted by award-winning actor, writer, and producer Aasif Mandvi, the milestone event is said to host a variety of leading filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests for an evening celebrating excellence in documentary filmmaking.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Packers should have the advantage in the contest, as Arizona backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett is set to start in Week 7 with Kyler Murray sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a foot sprain.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Regardless, the Avs finished the second period with 30 shot attempts (after 29 in the first) and a two-goal advantage.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Sweeney’s performance earned her an acting accolade at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October.—
Sarah Jones,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Messi has more than just individual accolades at stake on Saturday.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Turmoil and disruption in the traditional television business, from the new dominance of YouTube and streaming platforms to the rise of AI, will dominate conversations at the international TV confab MIPCOM Cannes.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Oct. 2025
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In a battle for NFC supremacy, Tampa Bay exerted its dominance while the Niners’ season — which looked so promising last Thursday — appears to be in total flux following the likely season-ending injury to Fred Warner and San Francisco’s floundering performance.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Diane Brady is an award-winning business journalist and author who has interviewed newsmakers worldwide and often speaks about the global business landscape.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Now, both Mahomes and the Chiefs are considered the favorites to win the NFL's two most coveted awards.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Here's what to know about Walmart's recent real estate moves and how shoppers could notice a difference.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
-
The only difference is that now, instead of salaries, our income comes from investments.—
Alex Trias,
CNBC,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Bryton and Jahaira tied the knot in March, and their date of separation is listed as June, three months after the ceremony.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Oct. 2025
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The mass layoffs come six months after thousands of researchers, scientists, doctors, support staff and senior leaders were either laid off from HHS or took early retirement or volunteer separation offers.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 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
-
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 21 Oct. 2025.
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