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
Today, that distinction is becoming dangerously blurred.
—
Mark J. Friedlander, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
Because true as that was technically, that distinction was more fundamental than incidental in a league so defined by that very line — especially considering their once-exhilarating offense had turned stale over much of the season.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Despite those distinctions, the candidates share broad agreement on many issues.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
For those planning a retirement of 30 years or longer, that distinction can make all the difference.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Mark J. Friedlander, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
Because true as that was technically, that distinction was more fundamental than incidental in a league so defined by that very line — especially considering their once-exhilarating offense had turned stale over much of the season.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Despite those distinctions, the candidates share broad agreement on many issues.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
For those planning a retirement of 30 years or longer, that distinction can make all the difference.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
Beyond his onstage excellence, Grady runs our props department with remarkable effectiveness and decisiveness.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
In 2014, Jocelyn Peters was recognized for excellence in the classroom.—
Marcelena Spencer,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Joveljić, along with Stephen Afrifa, set up an insurance goal by Johnsen in the 74th minute for a 2-0 advantage.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Buckley, clad in an elegant red and pink strapless gown, accepted the accolade with a rousing speech, thanking her husband and the team behind the film, and gushing over the emotional complexity of motherhood.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
-
All of his accolades, talent and hard work, stand on their own, and elevate him to the top of an outstandingly talented group of peers.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With continued dominance in the air and deep penetration on the ground, Israel should continue striking the repression apparatus while America supports the political conditions for internal fracture.—
Richard Goldberg,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Here are five ways Texas can maintain its economic dominance.—
Wilborn P. Nobles III,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On Sunday, sections of Hollywood will close for the awards show.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Additionally, Chris Evans, Javier Bardem, Chase Infiniti, Demi Moore and Kumail Nanjiani will also present trophies at the awards show.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But the Croatian’s two big stops were the difference between a point and nothing.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The crack spread is the difference between the price of crude oil and the price of products produced from it, like gasoline.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Poulakidas, an undrafted two-way guard, scored a career-high 10 points and played a pivotal role in helping the Mavericks create enough separation to close out Sunday’s 130-120 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Some Christian members have joined, citing the importance of church-state separation to maintain the diversity of thought and religion that has always been a strength of the country.—
Alexei Koseff,
San Francisco Chronicle,
16 Mar. 2026
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 17 Mar. 2026.
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