All Definitions for Distances
Below are all the dictionary definitions of distances:
1An amount of space between points (often geographical points), usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.
2Chiefly in from a distance: a place which is far away or remote
3Specifically (especially painting), a more remote part of a landscape or view as contrasted with the foreground.
4Chiefly with a modifying word: a measure between two points or quantities
5A difference, a variance.
6An interval or length of time between events.
7(figurative) A separation in some way other than space or time.
8The amount of space between points (often geographical points), usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.
9(boxing) The maximum amount of space between a boxer and their opponent within which the boxer can punch effectively.
10(boxing) Often in go the distance, last the distance, or stay the distance: the scheduled duration of a bout.
11(fencing) The amount of space between a fencer and their opponent, which the fencer tries to control in order to gain an advantage over the opponent.
12(horse racing) Originally, the space measured back from the winning post which a racehorse running in a heat must reach when the winner has covered the whole course, in order to run in a subsequent heat
13Also, the point on the racecourse that space away from the winning post
14Ow, the point on a racecourse 240 yards from the winning post.
15(military) The amount of space between soldiers or cavalry riders marching or standing in a rank
16Also, the amount of space between such ranks.
17(sports) The complete length of a course over which a race is run.
18Chiefly preceded by the, especially in into or in the distance: the place that is far away or remote.
19The state of being separated from something else, especially by a long way
20The state of being far off or remote
21Farness, remoteness.
22(figurative) The entire amount of progress to an objective.
23(figurative) The state of remoteness or separation in some way other than space or time.
24(figurative) The state of people not being close, friendly, or intimate with each other
25Also, the state of people who were once close, friendly, or intimate with each other no longer being so
26Estrangement.
27(figurative) Excessive reserve or lack of friendliness shown by a person
28Aloofness, coldness.
29Often followed by from: to set (someone or something) at a distance (noun noun, sense 1.1) from someone or something else.
30To cause (a place, a thing, etc.) to seem distant, or (figurative) unfamiliar.
31To leave behind (someone or something moving in the same direction
32Specifically, other competitors in a race) some distance away
33To outpace, to outstrip.
34(figurative) To keep (someone) emotionally or socially apart from another person or people.
35(figurative) To exceed or surpass (someone, such as a peer or rival)
36To outdo, to outstrip.
37(figurative) (reflexive) To keep (oneself) away from someone or something, especially because one does not want to be associated with that person or thing.
38Often followed by from.
39To set oneself at a distance from someone or something else
40To move away from someone or something.
41To keep oneself emotionally or socially apart from another person or people
42To keep one's distance.
43(horse racing) Chiefly in by a distance: a space of more than 30 lengths (about 80 yards or 7.3 metres) between two racehorses finishing a race, used to describe the margin of victory
44Also (archaic), any space of 240 yards (about 219.5 metres) on a racecourse.
45(obsolete) Synonym of length (“an extent measured along the longest dimension of an object”).
46(obsolete) (figurative) A disagreement, a dispute
47Also, an estrangement.
48(obsolete) (music) A difference in pitch between sounds
49An interval.
50(obsolete, figurative) The rank to which an important person belongs.
51(obsolete, figurative) The state of disagreement or dispute between people
52Dissension.
53(obsolete, figurative) Often followed by to or towards: an attitude of remoteness or reserve which respect requires
54Hence, ceremoniousness.
55(chiefly US, horse racing, archaic) Of a racehorse: to beat (another horse) by a certain distance
56Also (passive voice), to cause (a horse) to be disqualified by beating it by a certain distance.
57(obsolete) To cover the entire distance to (something).
58(obsolete) To depart from (a place)
59To leave (a place) behind.
60(obsolete) To indicate or measure the distance to (a place).
61(obsolete) To set (two or more things) at regular distances from each other
62To space, to space out.
About synonyms for distances
Finding the right synonym for distances helps writers avoid repetition and add precision to their work. Defined as "An amount of space between points (often geographical points), usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.", distances has 0 alternatives that can fit different contexts and tones.
When choosing a synonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal synonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual synonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best alternative. The list above provides the most common and useful replacements for distances, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.