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
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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
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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
Fragmentation arises from the distinction in payment standards and protocols of local rails of different countries.
—
Dr. Saheer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Piantedosi, however, sought to draw a distinction between the Modena attack and the government’s migration policies, stressing the suspect’s Italian citizenship — while noting that doesn't guarantee successful integration.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
This heroically eccentric diner draws no distinction between vegetarianism and hedonism.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
For adults over 30 who want to protect cognitive health long term, that distinction matters.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Dr. Saheer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Piantedosi, however, sought to draw a distinction between the Modena attack and the government’s migration policies, stressing the suspect’s Italian citizenship — while noting that doesn't guarantee successful integration.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
This heroically eccentric diner draws no distinction between vegetarianism and hedonism.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
For adults over 30 who want to protect cognitive health long term, that distinction matters.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
Mental-health care works best when clinical excellence is combined with human understanding.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
With his excellence metastasized in the spirit of Edwards and his Timberwolves, Wembanyama didn’t need to be masterful.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
For one thing, that extra speed—plus a spike in spin, which has allowed pitchers to throw harder while also making the ball swerve, dive, and kick—has given pitchers an even greater advantage over batters than before.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Lennard scored a late touchdown in the second quarter and had a 6-0 advantage at halftime.—
Alex Kushel,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
Both Kardashian Barker and Huck accepted the accolade on stage in a room full of beauty executives and industry insiders, with the reality star crediting her children as her constant motivation.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Since his high school years, Jordan has gone on to become regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time due to his flawless 6-0 record in the NBA Finals, his incomparable scoring dominance and his unmatched competitive drive.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
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The team believes that the findings could boost the nation’s dominance over the global supply of critical minerals, used in electric vehicles (EVs), superconductors, and defense technologies.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
To support the magazine’s award-winning journalism, photography, short films, and podcasts, subscribe today.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
The difference is Giannis could be entering the final year of his contract.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
The obsession with a hundred has something to do with our attraction to round numbers, but, at that speed, every mile per hour does make a difference.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The court could still rule against DiZoglio and prohibit the audit on constitutional grounds based on the separation of powers.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
18 May 2026
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Watch their separation shrink night by night, a slow-motion convergence that will culminate in a close conjunction on June 9.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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 24 May. 2026.
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