distinction
noun
dis·tinc·tion
di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən 
1
: the act of perceiving someone or something as being not the same and often treating as separate or different : the distinguishing of a difference
without distinction as to race, sex, or religion
also
: the difference distinguished
the distinction between imply and infer
2
: something that distinguishes
regional distinctions
3
: the quality or state of being distinguishable
no distinction of facial features in the twins
4
a
: the quality or state of being excellent or superior : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy
a politician of some distinction
b
: special honor or recognition
took a law degree with distinction
won many distinctions
c
: an accomplishment that sets one apart
holds the distinction of being the only American to win the prize
5
a
: class sense 4
Mr. Hemingway's … prose is of the first distinction.—
Edmund Wilson
Edmund Wilson
b
archaic
: division
Examples of distinction in a Sentence
There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.
She made a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”
He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.
Her talents gave distinction to the work.
Recent Examples on the Web
But recently, two experts have made a cogent distinction.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
With 273 career home runs and 916 RBIs, all those All-Star games and that World Series MVP distinction and five Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards, Perez has amassed the makings of a candidacy for the National Baseball Hall of Fame — where George Brett resides as the only primary Royal.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
But Republicans have nonetheless sought to capitalize on the distinctions in public opinion on competitive sports.
—Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
The Gators have the unique distinction of being one of the only Division 1 teams to have both their offensive rating (119.2, 9th) and defensive rating (95.6, 15th) in the top 15 in the nation.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
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Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
With 273 career home runs and 916 RBIs, all those All-Star games and that World Series MVP distinction and five Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards, Perez has amassed the makings of a candidacy for the National Baseball Hall of Fame — where George Brett resides as the only primary Royal.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
But Republicans have nonetheless sought to capitalize on the distinctions in public opinion on competitive sports.
—Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
The Gators have the unique distinction of being one of the only Division 1 teams to have both their offensive rating (119.2, 9th) and defensive rating (95.6, 15th) in the top 15 in the nation.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinction. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinction
noun
dis·tinc·tion
dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən
1
a
: the seeing or pointing out of a difference
b
: difference sense 1
the distinction between good and evil
2
: something that makes a person or thing special or different
the distinction of being the oldest house in the city
3
a
: particular excellence
served with distinction
b
: special honor or recognition
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