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
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
To detail how this may be done, Heidegger begins as any good philosopher would, with a distinction.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Even the distinction these two counties have of voting for so many presidential winners is a little arbitrary.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinction 
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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
To detail how this may be done, Heidegger begins as any good philosopher would, with a distinction.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Even the distinction these two counties have of voting for so many presidential winners is a little arbitrary.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 1 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 23 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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