SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
distinction
noun
A difference that sets things apart, or an achievement that makes someone stand out.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Difference that separates
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topDiscrimination here means recognizing a difference, not unfair treatment.
Recognized excellence
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topRenown concerns reputation; distinction can refer to the achievement or quality earning recognition.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See distinction in use
The lecturer emphasized the distinction between describing a pattern and explaining it.
The class drew a distinction between two characters' plans: one preserved a shared courtyard, while the other replaced it with private storage.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license