DISTINCTIONS Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

distinctions

noun

plural of distinction

as in advantages

a quality that gives something special worth has the distinction of being the oldest house in the city

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accolades

public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement I did all of the work, and the other guy got all the distinction

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as in awards

something given in recognition of achievement won a number of distinctions in her long career as an actress

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of distinctions These distinctions matter for experts who want to earn trust because the actions needed to demonstrate one aspect of trustworthiness may not demonstrate other aspects. — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 In James’s hands, these branching options can seem to amount to distinctions without a difference. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 For public health purposes, all of these distinctions should have been explained immediately and clearly to the American public. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Grip is phenomenal, as are the electric motors These differences are subtle but important distinctions that bolster the 849 as a more refined follow-up to the SF90. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 The dispute is how to represent those distinctions without crediting routine carbon circulation as additional sequestration. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026 This expansion of Hoodoo’s geography and urban shift also brought about a level of homogenization and the decline of regional distinctions. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 Such a designation constitutes one of our era’s most respectable distinctions. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026 The states must resist, regardless of the political affiliation and ideology of their leaders; the pathogens that can and will kill their children do not, after all, observe these political distinctions. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctions

Noun

Drone teams have several advantages over the artillery systems and armored vehicles traditionally used to deliver fires.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
If the upcoming tests continue to validate the design, the 24-round reusable pod could become one of JR3’s biggest advantages.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of advantages

Noun

All these accolades and swift-but-eventful years later, the persona of the guy who became a wonder of the world remains intact and part of his unique appeal.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Parton provided a great example of true allyship—not the surface-level kind that many engage in for proverbial cookies, public praise and accolades.

— Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of accolades

Noun

In a room filled with enough humanitarian awards, photos with legends, and travel souvenirs to fill a museum, the bike is a delightful reminder that even an American icon has to get her cardio in.

— Gloria Steinem, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026
This was the unofficial kickoff for the Wild Horse Nine awards campaign, the first time Malkovich would face his adoring public.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of awards

Noun

The glories of some former age may be lamented, and our sympathies directed to parties judged righteous or wronged.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
The privileged hillside location is well removed from the crowds, yet Florence and all its Renaissance glories is a mere 20-minute ride on the complimentary shuttle bus.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of glories

Noun

Call it Comer 2035, a vision separate from the system’s broader Elevate 2035 plan that would articulate Comer’s pediatric-specific values and commitments.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Two common ones include beliefs about whether someone will listen and share information and whether someone shares your values.

— John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of values

Noun

Last year, Danish broadcaster DR, Mediatoon Distribution and Belgian producer Creative Conspiracy took top honors for their eminent contributions to the sector and landmark productions.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
The junior earned seven sacks last season and earned Sun Belt Freshman of the Year honors.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of honors

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distinction

distinctions

distinctive

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“Distinctions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctions. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of distinctions

noun

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