1
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
2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of
a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type
on the exam we were asked to distinguish the specimens by acidity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinguish
Despite the trauma surrounding her mother's death, Alexis is careful to distinguish her experience from a broader condemnation of cosmetic surgery.
—
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
His job is to identify the objects flying above it, to distinguish birds and bats from lethal Russian drones.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
The bad guys are easily distinguished by their pointy horns or black hats.
—ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026
Over time, these staff groups develop an ability to recognise patterns, anticipate challenges, and distinguish what matters from what does not.
—Alan McCall, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
His job is to identify the objects flying above it, to distinguish birds and bats from lethal Russian drones.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
The bad guys are easily distinguished by their pointy horns or black hats.
—ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026
Over time, these staff groups develop an ability to recognise patterns, anticipate challenges, and distinguish what matters from what does not.
—Alan McCall, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish
Verb
-
However, current flu tests cannot differentiate between them, and clinical treatments are identical for both.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
-
New York City’s luxury hotel market is remarkably resilient even during economic downturns, but even upscale hotels must compete and differentiate themselves.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Rather than a slight to Lane, Lithgow’s win is a sign of the dramatic depth that characterized this otherwise squirrely season.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Such variety seemed impossible as recently as 2018, when the Golden State Warriors were at the height of their reign and decades of history suggested the NBA would always be the American sports league most characterized by dynasties.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Such plants are predominantly located in communities of color, with an average of 77% of the residents within a mile identifying as such, according to census data.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
The suspect was identified as Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, a 29-year-old homeless man not affiliated with the university, according to the UCLA Police Department.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Many are noticing the impact their reliance on technology has had on their relationships, and are craving real personal connections.—
Staff Author,
Parents,
7 June 2026
-
Some consumers didn't seem to notice, or care.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Those with motors of a certain size are legally classified as mopeds or motorcycles and cannot legally be ridden by anyone younger than age 16.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Most of the people at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Central Pennsylvania don't have a criminal record and are classified as low-security detainees, said Deluzio, who lives in Fox Chapel and represents parts of Allegheny County and all of Beaver County.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
However, her personable commanding officer Majid (Shafi al-Harthi) sees the value in her perspective when a high school student’s body turns up in the desert, and Nawal discerns clues from details which the policemen overlook, from the girl’s manicure to the embroidery on her abaya.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
8 June 2026
-
From her first cymbal crash, the German powerhouse, 43, received a roar of approval from discerning fans.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Captain Sandy finds her newish team in Dubrovnik, Croatia, aboard the Akira One, a bigger and older boat than last season’s Bravado.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
9 June 2026
-
Through this deceptively simple framework, Hiraide delivers a poetic and poignant meditation on the passage of time, the meaning of work and love, and the surprise of finding joy in life’s ephemeral details.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Montenegro and Albania are seen as the frontrunners among the Western Balkans, while Ukraine and Moldova are moving closer to opening formal membership talks.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
The 29-year-old checked out of the game and was seen limping back to the locker room as the first quarter came to an end.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguish. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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