distinguishes

Definition of distinguishesnext
present tense third-person singular of distinguish
1
as in differentiates
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in characterizes
to be an important feature of a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 distinguishes What distinguishes the material is its pronounced fluorescence. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 The release also distinguishes between an electric bikes, which have three classes, and an electric motorcycle, saying that the determination comes down to motor strength and speed. Mason Leib, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 What distinguishes this model is how the findings are presented. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026 What distinguishes Tullis-Joyce is the same combination of instinct and physical attributes that likely inspired her nickname. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 Is there something that distinguishes a Paramount movie from a WB movie? Brian Welk, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2026 Still, what distinguishes Gionfriddo is not her ear for cruelty but her ability to see beyond it, and to shift the prism of audience sympathy, in tiny increments. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026 That distinguishes Davenport, by volume, as being among the most poorly-rated of the roughly 1,600 schools that have received some kind of review on the site. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Apr. 2026 The neckline also stabilizes the straps, preventing them from slipping off your shoulders — a subtle detail that distinguishes a tank top as high-quality, according to Emelo. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguishes
Verb
  • Joseph Chiavatti, director of technology at Progressive Partners, says that process differentiates HOASnapshot from generic language models like ChatGPT and Claude, untrained on the specificities of real estate dynamics.
    Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Making that decision comes down to fully understanding what differentiates a mandatory HOA from a voluntary HOA, and what kinds of rules an HOA can make and enforce.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • But the decision also characterizes the law as viewpoint discrimination (specifically here the desire to change someone’s LGBTQ+ identity), which is almost never allowed under the First Amendment.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Goldman report maps out what world models actually look like in practice—and identifies two distinct but related tracks.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • McCasland had overseen classified aerospace research at a laboratory that UFO lore identifies as the secret site of debris from the 1947 crash.
    Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If the bear notices you, slowly back away while facing the bear.
    Devarrick Turner, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Darren Staples/Getty Images This is a weekly column where Jon Mackenzie notices something from one of the weekend fixtures in the Premier League.
    Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Globally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature also classifies polar bears as vulnerable.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The agency classifies it as a superfund site, meaning the area may be contaminated with hazardous materials.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Apple sees its second leadership change since Steve Jobs, with CEO Tim Cook set to be succeeded by John Ternus to lead the world’s second most valuable company.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Practical Magic 2 sees the lives of sisters Sally Owens (Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Kidman) shaken up when a mysterious figure (Lee Pace) arrives in their quaint New England town with a new quest for them.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sweeney’s scene reportedly featured her being dressed by Blunt’s character, who has risen the fashion ranks to head of Dior’s United States operation.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Chicago area ranks among the three worst metros in the nation for housing underproduction, behind New York and Los Angeles, according to a 2022 report from nonpartisan group Up for Growth, and the gap has not improved meaningfully since then.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Your perceptive nature spots what others miss, so trust instinct and document the change.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Outside, a kid spots the bus and shouts.
    Emmanuel Igunza, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distinguishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguishes. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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