distinguish
verb (used with object)
to mark off as different (often followed by from orby ).
had distinguished
-
past perfectof distinguish.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
But he had distinguished himself for bravery, and his devotion to the cause never wavered.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
By the time they got to the White House, Rosalynn had distinguished herself as the center of Carter’s inner circle, even if those beyond the West Wing did not appreciate her role.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 19, 2023
Last Saturday, he revoked The New York Times’s verification check mark, which had distinguished its Twitter account from impersonators.
From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2023
Previously, the site had distinguished between the two.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 2, 2023
At Clarkebury, plenty of the boys had distinguished lineages, and I was no longer unique.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
