distinction

noun

di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce distinction (audio)
Definition of distinctionnext
1
as in excellence
exceptionally high quality a shop selling native handicrafts of distinction

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Relevance

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2
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
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

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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

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5
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement won a number of distinctions in her long career as an actress

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6
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
7
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 film carries a further distinction as one of the first war features shot entirely in Bali. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026 One of the most important ideas in the conversation with Lange was the distinction between price and value. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The male-female suffrage distinction was easy, but in California, who, exactly, was a white male? — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for distinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinction
  1. excellence
  2. advantage
  3. accolade
  4. dominance
  5. award
  6. difference
  7. separation
  8. excellency
Noun
  • Sacramento State aligns perfectly with a league known for excellence and innovation.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • For Choice, this makes operational excellence and digital innovation closely connected.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of excellence
Noun
  • The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • Chosen by chefs, industry professionals and journalists and announced in Milan at the end of June, The Best Pizza Awards are not the only recent accolades for local pizza spots.
    — Connie Ogle July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • One accolade Wester said Harrington doesn’t get enough recognition for?
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Even casual soccer fans know about Lionel Messi and his dominance (six goals already).
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of dominance
Noun
  • This Italian American eatery in Inman Park has won quite a few awards for its bar program, including the Michelin Guide’s coveted Exceptional Cocktails Award during 2023’s inaugural ceremony.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Messi is the current favorite to win the award with seven goals to lead the race, while Mbappé is one behind at six.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of award
Noun
  • There may be some differences between the audio and the text.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Heavy Cream The biggest difference between half-and-half and heavy cream is the amount of fat.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The floorplan is arranged with a clear separation between the living areas and private sleeping quarters of the home.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 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
  • 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
Definition of excellency

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Cite this Entry

“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinction. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of distinction for Spanish Speakers

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