DISTINCTION Synonyms: 218 Similar and Opposite Words

distinction

noun

di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən

Definition of distinction

as in excellence

exceptionally high quality a shop selling native handicrafts of distinction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in advantage

a quality that gives something special worth has the distinction of being the oldest house in the city

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accolade

public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement I did all of the work, and the other guy got all the distinction

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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

as in award

something given in recognition of achievement won a number of distinctions in her long career as an actress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in separation

the state of being kept distinct the distinction between liberty and license is often violated in today's freewheeling society

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 The agency also states that no color additives are approved for injection into the skin for tattooing, an important distinction when considering pigment safety. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026 That distinction matters as AIPAC support has become a liability in some Democratic primaries amid the war in Gaza, with candidates attacking rivals for accepting its support and some lawmakers pledging to reject money tied to the group. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 White said that distinction remains central to his challenge. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The distinction matters because operating an unmanned vessel requires more than plotting a route. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distinction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction

Noun

The annual awards recognize podcasts and creators shaping the future of audio through innovation, impact and excellence in storytelling.

— AJC Communications, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Former President Barack Obama has offered a similar perspective, arguing that excellence often requires periods of intense focus at the expense of other priorities.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellence

Noun

Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
Joe Burrow gives the Bengals the quarterback advantage, and the extra preparation strengthens their case.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

Over the course of her long career, Curtis, 67, has developed a lengthy résumé in film and television, winning numerous accolades along the way, including an Oscar and an Emmy (she’s been nominated for a Grammy too — there’s still time for an EGOT).

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Women who've accepted their past mistakes aren't used to accepting accolades.

— Noel Brennan, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of accolade

Noun

Conventional analysis treats chip dominance as a source of instability.

— Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Vying for dominance as well are the haughty, self-serving bureaucrats of the area’s bustling capital of South Wood (Jemaine Clement, Marc Evan Jackson), who pull their political strings from the relative safety of the grand Pittock Mansion.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of dominance

Noun

Gallup found no difference in scam victimization rates by age, and experienced professionals have been duped as well.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The old boy was perfectly reasonable, explaining the difference between federal reimbursement and state reimbursement, and the speed that agencies move on the different levels.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

Wall Street has been enthusiastic about the separation, which is designed to unlock the value of each group of assets and is likely to generate M&A interest.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Layoffs will be spread throughout Comcast‘s connectivity and platforms unit, which is the company that will remain after the separation.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of separation

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
Paradise Dynasty, Kang Kang, Long Xing Ji, Hui Tou Xiang, Min Min Pie House (and so many more) should all be household names worthy of recognition for their myriad styles and excellency.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2024

Definition of excellency

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distinct

distinction

distinctions

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Style

“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinction. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of distinction

noun

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