1
as in to differentiate
to understand or point out the difference in
even at such a young age, he could distinguish the calls of various birds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of
a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to identify
to find out or establish the identity of
learned at an early age to distinguish the sound of a piano in an orchestra
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
could barely distinguish the garden gate through the mist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type
on the exam we were asked to distinguish the specimens by acidity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinguish
The party had not sought to distinguish itself from the Conservatives on the basis of ideology: both agreed on the necessity to rein in state spending, the primacy of the special relationship with Washington, and the need to cut migration.
—
Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
But in reality, the system misidentifies common birds, cameras miss the clarity to distinguish plumage and detail, and battery life proves too short for real daily use.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 4 July 2025
But protesters said President Trump’s decision is symbolic of America’s role in Israel’s broader retaliatory military campaign, one that’s killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
—Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
Savvy operators are beginning to distinguish between short-term curiosity spend and deeper, more sustainable value.
—Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
But in reality, the system misidentifies common birds, cameras miss the clarity to distinguish plumage and detail, and battery life proves too short for real daily use.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 4 July 2025
But protesters said President Trump’s decision is symbolic of America’s role in Israel’s broader retaliatory military campaign, one that’s killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
—Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
Savvy operators are beginning to distinguish between short-term curiosity spend and deeper, more sustainable value.
—Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish
Verb
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This helps differentiate it from the CX-50 while offering an option that sits between that smaller model and the larger CX-70.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 July 2025
-
For now, Samsung is leaning on hardware upgrades and AI to differentiate its phones from the growing competition.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Block heels, on the other hand, are characterized by their wider, solid and often square shape.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
11 July 2025
-
This group is characterized by high beta (median 1.6), fast growth (median 53% Q1 EPS growth), and strong earnings surprises (median 20% Q1 EPS beat).—
Randy Watts,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
The outlet has not been publicly identified by law enforcement.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
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As of Thursday, July 10, 334 earthquakes had been identified at Mount Rainier by the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), Cascades Volcano Observatory Public Information Officer Holly Weiss-Racine told USA TODAY.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.—
Kelley Carlson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
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Residents in the area may continue to notice a gas-like odor.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Cashews are classified as tree nuts, one of the nine major food allergens.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
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More than half of the cases — 417 — were classified as immigration violations.—
Norma Galeana,
CNN Money,
4 July 2025
Verb
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The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord.—
Jennifer C. Wolfe,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Sammarco said the coroner's office is asking for the public's help in identifying the man and reaching his family because investigators' efforts to discern his identity have so far proved unsuccessful.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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Officers found Miller with serious injuries and began lifesaving efforts before paramedics transported him to the hospital.—
Raphael Romero Ruiz,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
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Scientists have found a new way to cheat the system – which is both ingenious and disturbing.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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According to statements from camp officials and survivors, Eastland was last seen leading a group of girls from a cabin trying to get them to safety.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
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Her dad keeps her close on game day The Yankees slugger has been seen wearing a dazzling custom pendant in the shape of a gavel, a nod to his All Rise Foundation and his commanding presence at the plate.—
Nasha Smith,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguish. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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