DISTINGUISH Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

distinguish

verb

di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish

Definition of distinguish

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

as in to characterize

to be an important feature of a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type on the exam we were asked to distinguish the specimens by acidity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 distinguish These can distinguish a firm decision from a hypothesis or assumption. — Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 However, Ybarra sought to distinguish the measure from the district’s fiscal crisis. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Salazar’s attorney, George Rosenstock, argued in court filings that his client could not distinguish right from wrong or understand the nature of his actions at the time of the attack. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Researchers engineered calcium-binding proteins that can distinguish between rare earth elements at the molecular level. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distinguish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguish

Verb

By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
As foundation models continue to improve, however, simply wrapping an interface around a large language model will become increasingly difficult to differentiate.

— Ganesh Shankar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of differentiate

Verb

Phoenix characterized the chips, established the programming approach, and verified the resulting devices before delivery.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Blanche and the president have characterized those cases as politically motivated.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of characterize

Verb

Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
After encountering Baumeister again the following year, Goodyear helped investigators obtain information that led them to identify Baumeister.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of identify

Verb

Back then, Pluto was classified as a full planet, but the discovery of 1992 QB-1, as well as Kuiper Belt objects even larger than Pluto found later, raised questions about Pluto's status.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
In some cases, LinkedIn says views of content classified as AI spam have decreased by as much as 40 percent.

— Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of classify

Verb

Rod Patrick, known for its wide spectrum of available sizes among the 15,000 pairs of in-stock boots, sells premium and bespoke boots to a discerning client who appreciates attentive service.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Even so, astronomers should still discern hundreds of millions of stars within that relatively small slice of sky, explains Kristen McQuinn, leader of the Roman Space Telescope’s mission office.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of discern

Verb

Much of that is because of Bowers, arguably the most talented tight end league-wide, but also because Mayer has found success in Kubiak’s heavy sets, and Thomas continues to provide value as a blocker.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Red walls, heavy draperies with swags and fringe, and jacquard fabrics with gold accents could be found in many homes.

— Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of find

Verb

Barclays projects that palm oil, coconut oil, and rubber could rise by 30% to 40% over the next 18 months, coffee could see an additional 20% to 30% surge, and rice could increase by a further 10% to 20%.

— , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Authorities initially said Saylor’s mother reported that her child had wandered off from a rental home in Hagley Estates in Pawleys Island and was last seen wearing her swimsuit.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026