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
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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
However, those distinctions don’t do justice to Wonder Woman, which made Gal Gadot a superstar, and deservedly so.
—
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Branding requires distinction, and images that resonate with consumers and leave a lasting impression.
—Jon Stojan, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
Here's what to know about the Nobel Peace Prize, how it's awarded, and how many U.S. presidents have won the distinction.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Disinformation — the purposeful bending of, or negating, the truth — is used to destroy reputations, shatter trust, change political regimes, win at all costs, and muddy our distinctions between what is real and true, and what is blatantly false and biased.
—Davia Temin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Branding requires distinction, and images that resonate with consumers and leave a lasting impression.
—Jon Stojan, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
Here's what to know about the Nobel Peace Prize, how it's awarded, and how many U.S. presidents have won the distinction.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Disinformation — the purposeful bending of, or negating, the truth — is used to destroy reputations, shatter trust, change political regimes, win at all costs, and muddy our distinctions between what is real and true, and what is blatantly false and biased.
—Davia Temin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
Prime Development and Crestwood Custom Homes bring decades of experience and a reputation for excellence to every home.—
Prime Development,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
-
Everyone reveled in Jamal Murray’s playoff excellence en route to a championship.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Such facilities have flocked to the state for its competitive operating costs, low natural disaster risk and strong fiber infrastructure, among other advantages.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
-
For one, coordinated destruction of data centers would require simultaneous strikes across dozens of countries, any one of which could refuse and gain massive strategic advantage.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Oval Beach often receives accolades as one of the best beaches in Michigan.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
13 July 2025
-
Mayer previously ran the Mentors at Cordova High program and was awarded the 2012 Rancho Cordovan of the Year accolade.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Scottie Scheffler's dominance at Royal Portrush continued on Saturday as the World No. 1 carded a bogey-free 67 to stretch his lead to four shots heading into the final round of the 153rd Open Championship.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
-
The President has already issued six Executive Orders to modernize defense acquisition, realize American drone dominance and rapidly increase shipbuilding capacity.—
Michael Brown,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
Under each era are awards, concerts and 13 photos of the singer from the time.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
-
State officials who spoke to CNN for this story say they were given no explanation for why the awards were reduced or increased this cycle.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Here's the difference: your CPA is likely focused on what's happening this year, minimizing your tax bill, filing returns and staying compliant.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
22 July 2025
-
However, the office said one key difference between the two is that the Utah chandelier contains significantly more copper, reflecting the state's copper abundance.—
Keelin Fisher,
Arkansas Online,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
The split will start in the fourth quarter of this year, when management spins off the advanced materials business, and continue in 2026 with the separation of aerospace, which will leave the automation business as the third public company.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
-
Her eldest child, who was born when Yang was just 14, is taking the separation particularly hard.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
25 July 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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinction. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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