1
as in excellence
exceptionally high quality
a shop selling native handicrafts of distinction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth
has the distinction of being the oldest house in the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accolade
public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement
I did all of the work, and the other guy got all the distinction
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in dominance
the fact or state of being above others in rank or importance
a number of physicians of national distinction serve on the staff of the teaching hospital
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement
won a number of distinctions in her long career as an actress
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in difference
the quality or state of being different
the distinction between the two photographic prints escapes me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in separation
the state of being kept distinct
the distinction between liberty and license is often violated in today's freewheeling society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinction
The legality of sanctuary laws often hinge on the distinction between two types of warrants.
—
arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025
That distinction goes to transportation equipment, which in 2023 had a U.S. import value of $195.6 billion.
—Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2025
Both Sara and the algorithm have similar questions about her character, but with a critical distinction.
—Sam Worley, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
Five years ago, Robert Wallach (Bobby) had an idea that seemed radical: to revolutionize the gig economy by eliminating the distinction between employees and independent contractors.
—Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025
That distinction goes to transportation equipment, which in 2023 had a U.S. import value of $195.6 billion.
—Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2025
Both Sara and the algorithm have similar questions about her character, but with a critical distinction.
—Sam Worley, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
Five years ago, Robert Wallach (Bobby) had an idea that seemed radical: to revolutionize the gig economy by eliminating the distinction between employees and independent contractors.
—Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
Salah’s campaign at Liverpool demonstrates that excellence is measured on the pitch, and his record-breaking feats challenge any notion that a lack of continental silverware diminishes his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The Edmonton Oilers have delivered excellence under coach Kris Knoblauch since his arrival in November 2023.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
That gave Sporting a man advantage for 44 minutes, including stoppage time.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
2 Mar. 2025
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No one method is absolutely right, and each has its value, which is why the advantage of betting markets is all of these factors get brought into play by those who place bets.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
And then there were the accolades—namely back-to-back AD100 honors and being named House & Garden’s 2024 Interior Designer of the Year.—
Mel Studach,
Architectural Digest,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Get to know the pair with a complete relationship timeline, starting with the latest: 2025 Saldaña wins several prestigious accolades for her work in Emilia Perez, with Marco accompanying her to events including the 2025 Academy Awards.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Adding Xiaomi to the mix only extends its dominance.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Bezos’ Amazon is also still facing a lawsuit from the FTC and 17 states, who accuse the company of abusing its economic dominance and harming fair competition.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In preparation for any hangry award show attendees, O'Brien made sure to keep everyone fed with surprise snack boxes stored under every seat.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Gomez arrived at the award show with fiance Benny Blanco in tow, before co-presenting the Best Documentary Short Film and Best Documentary Feature categories alongside Samuel L. Jackson.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Okun’s misery index was modified by Harvard professor Robert Barro in 1996, by including the 30-year government-bond yield and the difference between the long-term-trend rate of real GDP growth and the actual rate of real GDP growth.—
Steve H. Hanke,
National Review,
27 Feb. 2025
-
In 2012, for example, 49% of Americans responding to the General Social Survey, a long-standing national survey that measures societal change, said Black-white differences in income, housing and jobs were due to a lack of willpower on the part of Black people.—
Karyn Vilbig,
The Conversation,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The last sentence of the purpose section in the executive order identifies restoring the constitutional separation of powers as a priority.—
Marie Sapirie,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
With the separation of small and large schools, there is no guarantee that the best teams in every classification will meet.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Education was considered an individual pursuit marked by moral excellency and only the students who did the best in school would have proceeded to higher education.—
Sara Novak,
Discover Magazine,
12 Nov. 2024
-
Zurich said the Game Changer Award pays tribute to excellency in the film business with a focus on leaders that not only cherish change and forward-thinking approaches in the business, but also stand for the DNA of what cinema has represented since its invention.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinction. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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