distinguish
verb
dis·tin·guish
di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish 
distinguished; distinguishing; distinguishes
1
: to perceive a difference in : mentally separate
so alike they could not be distinguished
2
a
: to mark as separate or different
a policy that distinguishes him from other candidates
b
: to separate into kinds, classes, or categories
distinguish words by their part of speech
c
: to make noteworthy or remarkable : to give prominence or distinction (see distinction sense 4) to
distinguished themselves as pioneers of hip-hop
d
: characterize
recipes distinguished by simplicity
3
a
: discern
distinguished a light in the distance
could barely distinguish them in the fog
b
: to single out : take special notice of
: to perceive a difference
distinguish between right and wrong
Synonyms
Examples of distinguish in a Sentence
You're old enough to distinguish between fact and fantasy.
I have trouble distinguishing between the two of them.
I have trouble distinguishing the difference between the two of them.
You should be able to distinguish fact from fantasy.
The only thing that distinguishes the dogs is their bark.
The singer's voice is what distinguishes the band.
You can't distinguish the detail from this distance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Many of the sharks in this area are juveniles and haven’t yet fully developed the ability to distinguish between humans and their natural prey, which includes fish, stingrays and other sharks.
—
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
Many of the sharks in this area are juveniles and fail to distinguish between humans and their prey, which includes fish, stingrays and other sharks, according to the statement.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Latin America, particularly Argentina, is distinguished by its strong social fabric.
—Kristin Deasy, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Nonetheless, in granting pardons, Trump’s failure to distinguish between violent and non-violent offenders is indefensible.
—Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for distinguish 
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Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
Many of the sharks in this area are juveniles and fail to distinguish between humans and their prey, which includes fish, stingrays and other sharks, according to the statement.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Latin America, particularly Argentina, is distinguished by its strong social fabric.
—Kristin Deasy, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Nonetheless, in granting pardons, Trump’s failure to distinguish between violent and non-violent offenders is indefensible.
—Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for distinguish
Dictionary Entries Near distinguish
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinguish. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinguish
verb
dis·tin·guish
dis-ˈtiŋ-(g)wish
1
: to recognize one thing from others by some mark or quality
distinguish the bird calls
3
: to know or point out the difference
distinguish between right and wrong
4
: to set apart as different or special
distinguished themselves by heroic actions
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