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
In this stage, RSV can be hard to distinguish from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like COVID-19 or influenza.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 May 2025
One of the perennial dilemmas of neuroscience is distinguishing what knowledge comes baked into our brains at birth and what knowledge develops over time.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 May 2025
Some dog breeds, like bloodhounds, are known to have more smell receptors than cats, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, however felines may be able to distinguish between similar scents better than most dogs can.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
With its conservative bent, Fox News thrives with its opinion hosts, but it also is distinguished from rivals on the right with its news operation.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 May 2025
One of the perennial dilemmas of neuroscience is distinguishing what knowledge comes baked into our brains at birth and what knowledge develops over time.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 May 2025
Some dog breeds, like bloodhounds, are known to have more smell receptors than cats, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, however felines may be able to distinguish between similar scents better than most dogs can.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
With its conservative bent, Fox News thrives with its opinion hosts, but it also is distinguished from rivals on the right with its news operation.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish
Verb
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Personal attention and privacy are what differentiate Oberoi, as the property boasts their own private boat for excursions.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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The first is the idea that Vesta may have begun the melting process that would have differentiated it into distinct layers—but never finished.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Dystonia is an umbrella term for movement disorders characterized by sustained or repetitive muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures or movements.—
Indu Subramanian,
The Conversation,
1 May 2025
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Forbes reports that a significant 69% of the youngest generation perceive middle management as a role characterized by high-stress levels and minimal rewards.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Part of the scrutiny on her sexuality could be that Siwa is part of Gen Z, the generation with the highest number of adults to identify as LGBTQ.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Philly’s sanctuary policies My work has involved researching sanctuary policies as well as how often ICE relies on local law enforcement to help identify and turn over immigrants.—
Jennifer J. Lee,
The Conversation,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Rosario said he's noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
3 May 2025
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But editors noticed that this cake went beyond the classic grocery store flavors with a unique layer of filling in the center.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Verb
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Boys of Summer is classified as a fougère, a classically masculine scent categorized by herbaceous top notes (usually lavender), a floral heart, and a green, woody base.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
2 May 2025
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According to the plan, the parade would be classified as a national special security event, and that request has been submitted by the National Park Service and is under review.—
Lolita C. Baldor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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For details about how to discern and handle AI hallucinations, see the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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Studio audiences aren’t usually the most comically discerning.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The equity research firm conducted a sample on 50 products and found Amazon prices had risen 4.2% higher on April 25.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Now, new analysis of a bone found three decades ago in Australia suggests that both animals evolved not from a creature that lived on land, as was previously thought, but from a water-dwelling animal.—
Margherita Bassi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Back to battle once again for their lives and a giant cash prize, the wordless preview sees contestants facing a series of high-stakes situations, involving guns, fists and an ominous giant gumball machine.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Southern Baptist churches lost more than a quarter-million members nationwide in 2024, the 18th straight year of decline, but saw baptism and attendance numbers rise.—
Frank E. Lockwood,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguish. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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