Distinction
Distinction noun - The quality or state of being different.
Usage example: the distinction between the two photographic prints escapes me
Difference is a synonym for distinction in same topic. In some cases you can use "Difference" instead a noun "Distinction", when it comes to topics like differentiation. popular alternative
Difference
Difference noun - The quality or state of being different.
Usage example: there's a great difference between claiming to care about the environment and living like you really do
Distinction is a synonym for difference in dissimilarity topic. You can use "Distinction" instead a noun "Difference", if it concerns topics such as same. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- peculiarity and distinction
- peculiarity and difference
- discrimination and distinction
- discrimination and difference
- division and distinction
- division and difference
- divergence and distinction
- divergence and difference
- variance and distinction
- variance and difference
- contrast and distinction
- contrast and difference
- separation and distinction
- separation and difference
How words are described
| clear | clear distinction | clear difference |
| notable | notable distinction | notable difference |
| similar | similar distinction | similar difference |
| true | true distinction | true difference |
| Other adjectives: obvious, actual, real, great, little, subtle, main, interesting, noticeable, important, practical, key, moral, early, meaningful, major, chief, minor, primary, greatest, visual, cultural. | ||
Cite this Source
Difference and Distinction. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/distinction/difference
Distinction & Difference. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/distinction/difference>.
Difference or Distinction. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/distinction/difference.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "distinction" and "difference" have occurred on timeline