as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
a novice birder still learning the distinguishing features of various finches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in differentiating
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterizing
to be an important feature of
a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in identifying
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 noticing
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 classifying
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 distinguishing
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Skye herself has almost no distinguishing characteristics besides her fragile state and propensity for terrible decisions, especially as the investigation around her boyfriend’s death kicks into gear.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
What, if any, are its distinguishing marks?
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
And investors have a hard time in the middle of this excitement, distinguishing between the good ideas and the bad ideas.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
The key is distinguishing between deal-breakers and workable differences.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
In the current threat environment, the offenders are often not distinguishing.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
This is not distinguishing Russia.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Yet distinguishing between truly innovative improvements and low-value extensions has been challenging for regulators and courts.
—Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
But in a market where definitional confusion obscures risk and competitive tensions drive narratives, distinguishing signal from noise is increasingly critical and difficult.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Skye herself has almost no distinguishing characteristics besides her fragile state and propensity for terrible decisions, especially as the investigation around her boyfriend’s death kicks into gear.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
What, if any, are its distinguishing marks?
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
And investors have a hard time in the middle of this excitement, distinguishing between the good ideas and the bad ideas.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
The key is distinguishing between deal-breakers and workable differences.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
In the current threat environment, the offenders are often not distinguishing.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
This is not distinguishing Russia.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Yet distinguishing between truly innovative improvements and low-value extensions has been challenging for regulators and courts.
—Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguishing
Adjective
-
While detecting the characteristic signature from these gravitational waves would be revolutionary, there’s no guarantee that’s possible.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Their flat sole, oval toe, and characteristic side stripes have won over seemingly everyone.—
Renata Joffre,
Glamour,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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He was credited with elevating the revenues, profits and image of Macy’s West, successfully differentiating it from regional department store competitors, and evolving Macy’s private labels into private brands, with in-store shops, professional sales associates and full-price marketing.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Others echoed that sentiment while differentiating human creativity from automation.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But Rodriguez and Patacsil expressed skepticism about how other members were characterizing that advice.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, condemned the protest, characterizing it as an attempt to obstruct law enforcement operations.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
When they were found on the bathroom floor in 1989, police had reached out to the local news media to spread the word in hopes of identifying family members.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The key to identifying the right white shade for your space is testing.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Speaking of noticing new things, rewatching the film all these years later, fans have discovered that Meredith Blake wasn't exactly the villain she was made out to be.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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Start by noticing what naturally draws your eye.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Related Stories In a nutsell, the test arranged by the cutter’s union documented that AI tools are great for organizing, classifying and summarizing.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
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Cal Fire updated Saratoga’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone map in June, classifying some southwestern portions of the city as moderate or high fire hazard zones.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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At a panel discussion at Carnegie Hall in 1999, Dohnányi got into a minor fracas with his esteemed colleague Pierre Boulez over the distinctive tone of French bassoons.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The country superstar will return to the distinctive venue for shows June 19-20, 24 and 26-27.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Known for its emphasis on work-life balance, connection with nature, and consistent place on the list of happiest countries in the world, Finland boasts gorgeous lakes, a robust sauna culture, incredible wildlife, northern lights spotting, and more.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Oct. 2025
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Health inspectors gave the market a yellow placard after spotting five flies throughout the facilty.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinguishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguishing. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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