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
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
Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country.
—David Allan, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Dylan’s detention has also drawn the condemnation of New York’s governor, who at an unrelated press conference Thursday in Hell’s Kitchen made a distinction between assisting in the removal of people who have been accused of crimes and separating families.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
That distinction was not clear in previous versions of the legislation, which led to concern that schools would not be able to involve police in serious matters — and was a key reason legislation on ticketing foundered in previous legislative sessions.
—Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 28 May 2025
These approaches deliver value when properly implemented, but there's a critical distinction between optimizing processes that deliver value and simply cutting resources without evaluating outcomes.
—Nick Hart, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
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David Allan, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Dylan’s detention has also drawn the condemnation of New York’s governor, who at an unrelated press conference Thursday in Hell’s Kitchen made a distinction between assisting in the removal of people who have been accused of crimes and separating families.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
That distinction was not clear in previous versions of the legislation, which led to concern that schools would not be able to involve police in serious matters — and was a key reason legislation on ticketing foundered in previous legislative sessions.
—Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 28 May 2025
These approaches deliver value when properly implemented, but there's a critical distinction between optimizing processes that deliver value and simply cutting resources without evaluating outcomes.
—Nick Hart, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinction
Cite this Entry
“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinction. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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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