distinction
noun
dis·tinc·tion
di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən 
1
: the act of perceiving someone or something as being not the same and often treating as separate or different : the distinguishing of a difference
without distinction as to race, sex, or religion
also
: the difference distinguished
the distinction between imply and infer
2
: something that distinguishes
regional distinctions
3
: the quality or state of being distinguishable
no distinction of facial features in the twins
4
a
: the quality or state of being excellent or superior : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy
a politician of some distinction
b
: special honor or recognition
took a law degree with distinction
won many distinctions
c
: an accomplishment that sets one apart
holds the distinction of being the only American to win the prize
5
a
: class sense 4
Mr. Hemingway's … prose is of the first distinction.—
Edmund Wilson
Edmund Wilson
b
archaic
: division
Synonyms
Examples of distinction in a Sentence
There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.
She made a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”
He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.
Her talents gave distinction to the work.
Recent Examples on the Web
But soon, the Paul brothers came to represent a new paradigm, in which distinctions between the online world and the offline world became more blurred.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
Nearly 200 Michigan employers have earned the distinction of being named Michigan Top Workplaces for 2024.
—Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 17 Nov. 2024
There remains a nuanced distinction with Nichushkin.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
From the start, though, the film seems to miss those cultural distinctions.
—Alessa Dominguez, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinction 
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Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
Nearly 200 Michigan employers have earned the distinction of being named Michigan Top Workplaces for 2024.
—Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 17 Nov. 2024
There remains a nuanced distinction with Nichushkin.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
From the start, though, the film seems to miss those cultural distinctions.
—Alessa Dominguez, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinction
Dictionary Entries Near distinction
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinction. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinction
noun
dis·tinc·tion
dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən
1
a
: the seeing or pointing out of a difference
b
: difference sense 1
the distinction between good and evil
2
: something that makes a person or thing special or different
the distinction of being the oldest house in the city
3
a
: particular excellence
served with distinction
b
: special honor or recognition
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