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
However, be careful of blurring the distinction between professional and personal relationships.
—
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
These terror missiles also make no distinction between the political left and right.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Their meal service feels deliberately designed, rather than just being economy food on nicer plates—a distinction that matters.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025
With the advent of craft distillers, many whiskeys are now bottled at high proofs, making the distinction between regular and cask-strength bottlings somewhat ambiguous.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
These terror missiles also make no distinction between the political left and right.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Their meal service feels deliberately designed, rather than just being economy food on nicer plates—a distinction that matters.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025
With the advent of craft distillers, many whiskeys are now bottled at high proofs, making the distinction between regular and cask-strength bottlings somewhat ambiguous.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
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This reality drives the team’s commitment to excellence, with Jordan emphasizing the importance of ensuring every guest leaves on a positive note.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
26 June 2025
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The series has also won two Annie Awards, for excellence in the field of animation, in 2023 and 2025 in the category of Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children.—
Debbie Day,
EW.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
That said, Nordstrom cardmembers enjoy a major advantage: Early Access, beginning as early as July 8, depending on your Nordy Club status.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
30 June 2025
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But as a two-term governor in a blue state, Pritzker has the luxury of not having to make a choice under the usual constraints of seeking a political advantage, said Robin Johnson, a governmental relations, public policy and political consultant.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Nuno has been talked about, as such, as a realistic contender to challenge Liverpool’s Arne Slot for the manager-of-the-year accolades.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
Lead performances by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, along with supporting turns from Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, are generating buzz and could garner another significant accolade in the name of the Hollywood creator.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Dominating Grocery Walmart’s dominance is most pronounced in grocery.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
This launched an era of dominance with a string of classic main events.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The maximum possible award was $7,395 during the 2024-25 school year.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
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This means taking positive press mentions or third-party validation (like interviews, features or awards) and weaving them into email campaigns, sales decks or social posts to build trust with new audiences. 3.—
Gianluca Ferruggia,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
What’s the difference between a virtual safety car and an actual safety car?—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
27 June 2025
-
But the difference between Ford’s high-end and low-end truck models, for instance, illustrates why focusing on expensive vehicles with lower volume makes more sense than the opposite.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Zen training also induces samadhi (i.e., the experience of no separation), giving rise to wisdom and harmony with the larger picture.—
Ginny Whitelaw,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The sheer finish acts as a great base to layer makeup on, without the worry of separation.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
30 June 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 5 Jul. 2025.
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