Meaning & use

distance

noun·Everyday

The amount of space between two points, places, or things.

See it in a sentence

The distance between the two cities is about three hundred miles by road.

She kept her distance from the edge of the cliff while taking photos.

A note on using this word

Distance can be physical, as in miles apart, or emotional, as in keeping one's distance from a person or topic.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To move away from someone or something, or to avoid close association with them.

He tried to distance himself from the scandal as soon as it broke.

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