distinguish
verb
dis·tin·guish
di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish 
distinguished; distinguishing; distinguishes
1
: to perceive a difference in : mentally separate
so alike they could not be distinguished
2
a
: to mark as separate or different
a policy that distinguishes him from other candidates
b
: to separate into kinds, classes, or categories
distinguish words by their part of speech
c
: to make noteworthy or remarkable : to give prominence or distinction (see distinction sense 4) to
distinguished themselves as pioneers of hip-hop
d
: characterize
recipes distinguished by simplicity
3
a
: discern
distinguished a light in the distance
could barely distinguish them in the fog
b
: to single out : take special notice of
: to perceive a difference
distinguish between right and wrong
Synonyms
Examples of distinguish in a Sentence
You're old enough to distinguish between fact and fantasy.
I have trouble distinguishing between the two of them.
I have trouble distinguishing the difference between the two of them.
You should be able to distinguish fact from fantasy.
The only thing that distinguishes the dogs is their bark.
The singer's voice is what distinguishes the band.
You can't distinguish the detail from this distance.
Recent Examples on the Web
After hopping over to the CW for its next five seasons, Supergirl had to distinguish itself more sharply against its Arrowverse peers, giving its superheroics an earnest social justice streak that was occasionally saccharine but usually infused with just enough charm to carry the day.
—
Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Takagi is currently investigating whether cats can distinguish between a foreign language and the language their humans speak.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
This indicates voters can distinguish between legitimate and concerning applications of the technology.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Maintaining transparency, while being tactful throughout your job search, is key to showcasing integrity and distinguishing yourself as a candidate who won’t bolt at the next opportunity.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinguish 
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Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Takagi is currently investigating whether cats can distinguish between a foreign language and the language their humans speak.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
This indicates voters can distinguish between legitimate and concerning applications of the technology.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Maintaining transparency, while being tactful throughout your job search, is key to showcasing integrity and distinguishing yourself as a candidate who won’t bolt at the next opportunity.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinguish
Dictionary Entries Near distinguish
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinguish. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinguish
verb
dis·tin·guish
dis-ˈtiŋ-(g)wish
1
: to recognize one thing from others by some mark or quality
distinguish the bird calls
3
: to know or point out the difference
distinguish between right and wrong
4
: to set apart as different or special
distinguished themselves by heroic actions
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