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
That is an important distinction for leaders who hope to be relevant to future consumers and employees.
—
Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
To Rob Williams, managing director of financial planning at Schwab, the distinction boils down to needs, wants and wishes.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 26 July 2025
The awards offer three levels of distinction: the Award of Excellence; the more prestigious Best of Award of Excellence; and the relatively rare Grand Award.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025
After earning the distinction of the top-grossing Billboard Boxscore comedian for the first half of 2025 Sebastian Maniscalco has more than earned some rest and relaxation.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
To Rob Williams, managing director of financial planning at Schwab, the distinction boils down to needs, wants and wishes.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 26 July 2025
The awards offer three levels of distinction: the Award of Excellence; the more prestigious Best of Award of Excellence; and the relatively rare Grand Award.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025
After earning the distinction of the top-grossing Billboard Boxscore comedian for the first half of 2025 Sebastian Maniscalco has more than earned some rest and relaxation.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
So anybody looking to chase excellence every day, find that one win, frame it, take note, look in the mirror and then go chase that thing.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
31 July 2025
-
Nora Gámez Torres, the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald reporter who has spent more than a decade chronicling the dramatic changes inside Cuba, including daily life amid a collapsing economy, has been awarded the prestigious Maria Moors Cabot Prize for career excellence.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
30 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
-
Demolish your environment for a strategic advantage.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
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
-
The Florida Democratic Party already has an uphill battle to retake the governor’s office after more than 30 years of Republican dominance.—
Miami Herald Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
-
And while many believe that Jalen Hurts' success has just been a beneficiary of Barkley's dominance, Winston had flowers for Jalen, too.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The award recognizes breakthrough innovations in agricultural engineering that improve efficiency, sustainability and productivity.—
Richard Bishop,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Under each era are awards, concerts and 13 photos of the singer from the time.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
But here’s the thing: At this stratospheric level of equine talent, that 4.2 percentage point difference is a big gap.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The biggest difference is that the crust is made from crushed Saltines instead of graham crackers, which keeps the pie from being overly sweet.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 2025.
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