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
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distinction
But there must be a clear distinction between Trump and the Trump administration, said Vaez.
—
Mostafa Salem, Nadeen Ebrahim and Mick Krever, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024
In contrast, thick boundaries involve clear distinctions, boosting self-esteem, enhancing social support and protecting mental health.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
The distinction is important because a felony arrest typically entails more rigid follow-up in court and a higher likelihood of jail detention, while a misdemeanor often ends with a citation and release on the spot.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
In her time as a public servant, Rep. Lee became the first Black woman elected to the State Senate from Northern California, holding the distinction of the highest-ranking Black woman in Democratic leadership.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinction 
Mostafa Salem, Nadeen Ebrahim and Mick Krever, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024
In contrast, thick boundaries involve clear distinctions, boosting self-esteem, enhancing social support and protecting mental health.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
The distinction is important because a felony arrest typically entails more rigid follow-up in court and a higher likelihood of jail detention, while a misdemeanor often ends with a citation and release on the spot.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
In her time as a public servant, Rep. Lee became the first Black woman elected to the State Senate from Northern California, holding the distinction of the highest-ranking Black woman in Democratic leadership.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
Noun
-
The nation also won both U17 and U20 world titles in 2016 demonstrating a concerted excellence in women's soccer at youth level.Asif Burhan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
-
The celebrity and business leader list reads like a who’s who of Black excellence in the U.S.: Tyler Perry, Brian Tyree Henry, Don Cheadle, Spike Lee, John Legend, Jermaine Dupri, Bakari Sellers and so on (and on…).Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Sign up Benefits in innovation and cost AI can be used to slash costs, a clear advantage in a struggling industry.Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US, theweek, 15 Nov. 2024
-
After the margin shrunk to a few hundred votes on Election Day, Campos now holds a 2,442-vote advantage after the release of the most recent ballot results.Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The author is the recipient of the Asian-American Literary Award for fiction, among other accolades, as well as a recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation.Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
-
Nominated for eight Emmys, among numerous other accolades, and spawning a few spin-offs, the show is expected to return for its fifth and final season in 2026.Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The dominance of automobiles and the infrastructure that supports them over many decades only seems inevitable in hindsight.Nir Eisikovits, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
-
According to both Ives and Musk, that’s likely positive for Tesla, given its dominance in the market.William Gavin, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Since 2002, the Unforgettable Gala has grown to become the API community’s longest-running awards ceremony.Matt Minton, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
-
The Board of Directors of City Trusts announced November 18 that three individuals received the 2024 John Scott award for their work in the field.John Werner, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The difference between CVs and résumés The most obvious difference between CVs and résumés is length.Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
-
The difference is largely due to changes in derivative liabilities, gain on sale of mine property, and gain on extinguishment of debt.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The former couple's separation will be addressed on season 14 of RHOBH, which begins airing on Nov. 19.McKinley Franklin, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
-
Think about what a round-up and separation of your own family would look and feel like.Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
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
Thesaurus Entries Near distinction
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinction. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share