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
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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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5
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement
won a number of distinctions in her long career as an actress
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6
as in difference
the quality or state of being different
the distinction between the two photographic prints escapes me
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7
as in separation
the state of being kept distinct
the distinction between liberty and license is often violated in today's freewheeling society
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinction
And although Berwanger never played in the NFL, his name still carries a unique distinction within a league that would become the most lucrative in all of sport.
—
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
The council recognizes the distinction between public relations and communications, the resolution states.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
Since the distinction is a secret known only to the pope, many in pectore cardinals do not even know they've been appointed until the pope announces it publicly.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Taking to Instagram prior to the weekend, the Guardians of the Galaxy star revealed he was bestowed the distinction in his current residence of Hillsborough County, Fla., which encompasses the city of Tampa that he’s lived in for the past two decades.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
The council recognizes the distinction between public relations and communications, the resolution states.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
Since the distinction is a secret known only to the pope, many in pectore cardinals do not even know they've been appointed until the pope announces it publicly.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Taking to Instagram prior to the weekend, the Guardians of the Galaxy star revealed he was bestowed the distinction in his current residence of Hillsborough County, Fla., which encompasses the city of Tampa that he’s lived in for the past two decades.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
Briggs & Riley’s model isn’t just a testament to smart design or operational excellence.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Proponents say such partnerships are essential to innovation and academic excellence.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Charles Koch has long been a foe of protectionism and an evangelist for free markets, competitive advantage and mutual benefit.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
2 May 2025
-
The firm continued to enjoy advantages from a growing user base.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Among Andor’s accolades were eight Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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Mark is an exceptional horse trainer with accolades like training Quarter Horse Race Stake winners and even polo horses for Polo Hall of Famer Bart Evans.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Williams flashes dominance as a run defender and upside as a pass rusher, while Ratledge is going to start 10 years in the league.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
In the following months, Modi’s government introduced a series of extraordinary initiatives meant to solidify Hindu dominance.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Blue Ivy has been involved in several significant moments in her mother's career, including appearances at award shows and in music videos.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
This follows two previous waves of cancellations, in April, that terminated over a thousand awards.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Shoppers are not expected to see a difference at the supermarket checkout line since the new law just shifts collection of the revenue.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2025
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Ana’s guilt creates a need to iron out differences with her mother and receive her blessing — but that’s not likely.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Since 2021, there have been 85 recorded events involving a potentially dangerous near-miss between a helicopter and a plane – defined as a lateral separation of less than 1,500 feet and a vertical separation of less than 200 feet, the National Transportation Safety Board said in March.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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James tried to drive but couldn’t create separation as the shot-clock buzzer sounded.—
Jovan Buha,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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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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 6 May. 2025.
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