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Definitions

distinguish

[dih-sting-gwish] / dɪˈstɪŋ gwɪʃ /
VERB
tell the difference
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analyze categorize characterize determine differentiate discriminate divide figure out identify know qualify recognize separate
STRONG
ascertain classify collate decide demarcate diagnose estimate extricate finger individualize individuate judge label mark name part pinpoint place select sift signalize singularize specify spot tag
WEAK
determinate diagnosticate make out mark off set apart set off single out sort out tell apart tell between tell from
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow combine confuse connect join link miss misunderstand mix up unite
STRONG
ignore lose overlook
VERB
discern, identify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
detect discover discriminate know notice perceive read recognize see
STRONG
beam catch descry dig eye eyeball flash focus mark note observe remark spot spy tell view
WEAK
get a load of get an eyeful make out pick out pick up on take in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignore misinterpret miss misunderstand neglect overlook pass by
VERB
make famous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admire
STRONG
acknowledge celebrate dignify honor immortalize praise signalize
WEAK
pay tribute to
Antonyms
STRONG
condemn denounce disgrace disregard ignore reproach shame

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One reason for the confusion is that healthy macrophages already show some of the same molecular features seen in senescent cells, making it difficult to distinguish between normal and dysfunctional states.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

Identification sits on top of detection: AI classification systems that distinguish a commercial delivery drone from a weaponized one in real time.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

"The imagery is blurrier. I cannot distinguish between cars, vehicles, things like that," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Analysts are still parsing the data to distinguish between panic-selling by citizens, state-linked transfers and routine exchange rebalancing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

He developed the theory in order to distinguish between different “modes” of intelligences rather than thinking of intelligence as one unified ability.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Vocabulary lists containing distinguish

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Vocabulary of the Common Core

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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