as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
a novice birder still learning the distinguishing features of various finches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in differentiating
to understand or point out the difference in
even at such a young age, he could distinguish the calls of various birds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characterizing
to be an important feature of
a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in identifying
to find out or establish the identity of
learned at an early age to distinguish the sound of a piano in an orchestra
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in noticing
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
could barely distinguish the garden gate through the mist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in classifying
to arrange or assign according to type
on the exam we were asked to distinguish the specimens by acidity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinguishing
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The odd one out is the shape with no distinguishing features.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
All black holes with the same mass and spin must be the same, with no distinguishing features.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
Kraft Heinz also had trouble distinguishing its products from cheaper store brands.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
Hope to see more distinguishing benefits down the road.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
That means distinguishing between the two types of SEEs could vastly improve space weather predictions.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
The band were already distinguishing themselves by wedging huge, chunky-salsa riffs underneath the scabrous noise of the EP.
—Pat Blashill, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
And maybe that's probably the biggest distinguishing factor.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
The distinguishing factor lies in offering complete confidence to buyers who expect more than just salesmanship.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The odd one out is the shape with no distinguishing features.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
All black holes with the same mass and spin must be the same, with no distinguishing features.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
Kraft Heinz also had trouble distinguishing its products from cheaper store brands.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
Hope to see more distinguishing benefits down the road.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
That means distinguishing between the two types of SEEs could vastly improve space weather predictions.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
The band were already distinguishing themselves by wedging huge, chunky-salsa riffs underneath the scabrous noise of the EP.
—Pat Blashill, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
And maybe that's probably the biggest distinguishing factor.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguishing
Adjective
-
The characteristic fragrance results from a complex mixture of chemicals that can actually impact our health.—
Anan Bishara,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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But the other one, closer to the compact subcluster, was smaller and had a characteristic bow shock shape, a dull cone similar to the wake left behind as a ship moves through water.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This radar technology, good at detecting small flying objects and differentiating them from fauna, has proven useful in Ukraine's drone war.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
10 Sep. 2025
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Data will be key to differentiating from competitors, Metrick emphasized.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This study contributes to a growing body of research aimed at characterizing threats to the ocean’s apex predators.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
10 Sep. 2025
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And, since Congress expects workers and employers to be (cough) creative when characterizing wages as tips to avoid paying taxes on otherwise taxable income, Treasury is authorized to issue additional guidance to prevent abuse.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This drives both day-to-day operations, like smarter procurement, as well as long-term strategy, like identifying and reducing emissions at the source.—
Sophia Mendelsohn,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
It was built in 1954 by mathematician and organist Leland Sprinkle, who spent years identifying which stalactites would produce the right notes.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Nutrafol Skin Clear Skin Nutraceutical was born because Nutrafol’s team was hearing from dermatologists that some patients taking Nutrafol’s hair growth supplements were also noticing their acne clear up.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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The Times, however, reported that the boat had turned around after noticing a military aircraft following it.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Without establishing any link to last week’s shooting, the Republican president and members of his administration have discussed classifying some groups as domestic terrorists, ordering racketeering investigations and revoking tax-exempt status for progressive nonprofits.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
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But performance dropped to 54 percent when classifying narrower age groups, and failed entirely for some users.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There’s no barbecue in Georgia quite like Fresh Air’s, and no restaurant better represents the state’s storied and distinctive style.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
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The brands that survive won’t be the most polished—they’ll be the most distinctive.—
Erik Huberman,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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During the video, Ollie can be seen running around the sandy beach before spotting another dachshund.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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Get ready for mountaintop vistas, glass lakes, and roaring waterfalls on the 10 best hikes for spotting fall foliage.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinguishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguishing. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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