Synonyms for

Distinguishing

Verb / dɪˈstɪŋgwɪʃɪŋ / Another word for distinguishing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to recognize and understand the difference between two or more things

Synonyms & similar words

recognize signalise spot describe severalise severalize discover name differentiate secern signalize tell secernate mark recognise separate distinguish discern key identify differentiating discerning recognizing identifying perceiving noticing separating sorting categorizing classifying characterizing marking determining diagnosing discriminating judging assessing appraising evaluating estimating

Synonyms by register

Formal

characteristic identifying peculiar specific

Informal

standout special different

Literary

telling hallmark

Antonyms

common ordinary unremarkable typical usual plain similar

Common collocations

  • distinguishing feature
  • distinguishing mark
  • distinguishing characteristic
  • distinguishing quality
  • distinguishing factor
  • distinguishing sign
  • distinguishing trait

Word family

noun distinction
verb distinguish
adjective distinguishing
adverb distinguishably

Usage note

Often used to describe something that makes a person or thing unique or easily recognizable. It implies a clear difference from others.

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Example sentences

  1. She is good at distinguishing between different types of birds.
  2. I need help distinguishing the different notes on the piano.
  3. Can you distinguish which animal made those tracks?
  4. The detective was able to distinguish the real painting from the fake one.
  5. He has trouble distinguishing between the colors green and blue.

Quotes

  • The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. - William James
  • The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. - Albert Einstein

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