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
This fish, distinguished by its long whisker-like barbels and unique dorsal fin, was found in a small stream within a deep gorge.
—
Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Observers can distinguish birds from other signals by timing and speed.
—Brandi D. Addison, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
Rupert had distinguished herself teaching in the Gifted and Talented Education, or GATE program at Phoebe Hearst, particularly known for her ability to teach language arts.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
This is not distinguishing Russia.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Observers can distinguish birds from other signals by timing and speed.
—Brandi D. Addison, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
Rupert had distinguished herself teaching in the Gifted and Talented Education, or GATE program at Phoebe Hearst, particularly known for her ability to teach language arts.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
This is not distinguishing Russia.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish
Verb
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Doble said what differentiates Explorium Distilled's concept from Good City Brewing is going to focus more on curating a robust selection of cocktails alongside their brews and food offerings.—
Angelika Ytuarte,
jsonline.com,
24 Sep. 2025
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How did the team at Sucker Punch try to differentiate the soundtrack for Ghost of Yōtei from the previous game?—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The monsoon is characterized by intense heat, surges of moisture and atmospheric instability, creating clouds and storm chances in the afternoon.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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Abarca says complaints overblown Abarca, at the time, welcomed the investigation, characterizing the complaints as overblown.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of the neighboring small town of Burton.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
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During the investigation, detectives identified and contacted a witness in Phoenix, prompting a joint investigation between the Sheriff's Office and the Phoenix Police Department, Nanos said.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In August, a single-engine Piper PA-28 crash landed on southbound Interstate 805 in Sorrento Valley after the pilot noticed the engine was sputtering and losing power.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
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For almost the entire bloated two-hour run time, Black keeps his foot on the accelerator in the hope that audiences won’t notice the haphazard, barely logical plotting.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At the time, that specimen was classified as Harpiola grisea, a related species.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service and other federal law enforcement agencies also would participate in investigations, and Attorney General Pam Bondi is directed to submit a list of groups to classify as domestic terrorist organizations.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Over the past few years, Father John Misty — the alter-ego of Josh Tillman — has established himself as a reliable festival performer who appeals to both discerning and casual fans.—
Daniel Kohn,
Rolling Stone,
29 Sep. 2025
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Here, my full review of the best hotel in New York City, as voted by T+L’s discerning readers.—
Maya Kachroo-Levine,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Drivers from outside of Finneytown, using GPS to find Dutch Bros, don't know alternate routes to the store.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
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Analyzing its grocery orders that included candy in 2024, Instacart found each state's Halloween candy preferences.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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East Ridge High School’s football stadium was a riot of color and noise early Friday evening, a near-capacity crowd excited to see the host Raptors meet Metro East Conference rival Mounds View.—
Tris Wykes,
Twin Cities,
27 Sep. 2025
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So Instacart is reviewing orders from last October to see what might be filling trick-or-treaters’ bags across the country this year.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguish. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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