DISTINGUISH Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

distinguish

verb

di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish

Definition of distinguish

as in to differentiate

to understand or point out the difference in even at such a young age, he could distinguish the calls of various birds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to characterize

to be an important feature of a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to identify

to find out or establish the identity of learned at an early age to distinguish the sound of a piano in an orchestra

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to notice

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes could barely distinguish the garden gate through the mist

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type on the exam we were asked to distinguish the specimens by acidity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of distinguish The researchers distinguished between two investment decisions—what to invest in and how much to invest. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Rosenstock wrote in court filings that Salazar could not distinguish right from wrong or understand the nature of his actions because of his mental state. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Its two-plan approach is simple, providing an easy way to distinguish its offerings (the Total Plan covers air conditioning, refrigerators, and washer/dryers; the Basic Plan does not). — Kate Tully Ellsworth, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Researchers also couldn’t distinguish between different types of surgical menopause, such as removal of both ovaries versus hysterectomy with the ovaries left in place. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distinguish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish

Verb

Szwast said the investments will help UPS differentiate its end-to-end logistics offerings, ensuring the logistics company can equip businesses from the first step to the last step of the shipping process.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Furthermore, its interior will have become differentiated, with the heavier elements sinking to the core.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of differentiate

Verb

Her looks are characterized by a natural, relaxed elegance, featuring flowing dresses, lightweight fabrics, and details reminiscent of 1970s fashion.

— Laura Tortora, Glamour, 22 Aug. 2026
Yields initially fell and stocks rallied on the disclosure, which Jim characterized as an effort to preserve the stock market rally .

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of characterize

Verb

Authorities in the criminal complaint identified the three as 47-year-old Jose Rivera, his 5-year-old nephew Andrew and his 2-year-old niece Arlette.

— Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
The plant, which has not been identified for security reasons, was forced to close for four days because of the infiltration, the report said.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of identify

Verb

The scholar of religion Friedrich Max Müller (1823–1900) noticed that many Vedic hymns praise different deities using the same superlatives and ascribe to them the same mythological feats.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
These wild swings in the numbers came while residents here didn’t notice any change to the slow but steady arrival of newcomers in dilapidated coaches.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of notice

Verb

The blaze was quickly upgraded to a third-alarm fire, which is classified as a major emergency that requires a high level of response.

— Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
The ranking measures the most popular tracks classified as both Latin and rhythm, according to Billboard, with the melding of the styles encompassing pieces of other subgenres as well, including reggaeton and Latin hip-hop.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of classify

Verb

In a traditional sense, the Rams’ position battles to settle their eventual 53-man roster aren’t for the starting roles like other teams across the league are using the preseason to discern.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026
Aside from Big Boi, NYC canine influencer Lumi (@LittleBearLumi on social media) and Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione will bring their discerning eyes to the judges' table.

— Pat Mueller, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of discern

Verb

Following a breakaway, Barbra Banda found Haley McCutcheon at the top of the box for the first-time finish and 1-0 lead in the third minute.

— Phuoc Nguyen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
While all of the women found their respective moment to shine, no one rose to the occasion quite like Luann de Lesseps, who seemingly decided on her own that Kyle’s white party would be the perfect backdrop for a cabaret performance like none other.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of find

Verb

Institutional investors still seem to see growth opportunities, even if some sovereign wealth funds show signs of potential pullbacks.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2026
The expansion will see Amazon Web Services (AWS) deploy 2 million additional Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026