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
And that distinction really matters to her.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
The Maduro operation tests exactly that distinction.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
Every country’s athletes seem to look similar and built the same with little distinction of individual skill sets.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
The Long Wharf production has the distinction of being near ocean water.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
The Maduro operation tests exactly that distinction.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
Every country’s athletes seem to look similar and built the same with little distinction of individual skill sets.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
The Long Wharf production has the distinction of being near ocean water.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
For-profit and Miami-Dade County health care systems come to Broward not to achieve excellence in medical care, but in a desire to expand their footprint and enjoy profits.—
Arthur E. Palamara,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Rooted in education and driven by innovation, CHI stands as a symbol of clean, bold beauty built on a legacy of excellence.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Arkansas climbed to a double-digit advantage, leading by as many as 14 points with two minutes left.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Dr Amgad Rezk said the process offered significant advantages for industry, with an energy-efficient and scalable approach.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Jordan has come a long way since his All My Children days, boasting accolades including a Producers Guild Award and SAG win, in addition to a Golden Globe nod and two Emmy nominations.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Those accolades feel aligned with the experience.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Japanese macaques adhere to strict hierarchies, and displays of dominance are to be expected.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Head coaches come and go, yet those changes haven’t done a thing to quell the Los Angeles Football Club’s opening day dominance.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Amid the glut of fashion week front rows, awards season after-parties, and talk show appearances, the star of Heated Rivalry has established himself as a real player in the style game.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The award ceremony would be held on December 7, with the president himself slated to act as master of ceremonies.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Milford’s depth was the difference as Brayden Boccia at 126 pounds delivered a decisive 10-0 pinfall victory continuing a family legacy on the mat.—
Brian Fabry,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Basyrova’s jump shots and senior wing Cara McKel’s backdoor layups were the difference makers on offense.—
Tony Gleason,
Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That right, under the separation of powers clause, is granted to Congress.—
Cal Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
24 Feb. 2026
-
At Northway Christian Church, a large early voting site, the separation is on full display.—
Tracey McManus,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Feb. 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 25 Feb. 2026.
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