fine distinction

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.

Revilers of Epstein’s pals draw a fine distinction between those who continued to associate with him after the ’08 conviction and those who didn’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

The U.S. does allow for some explicit materials to be restricted from minors, but it’s a fine distinction that can require the courts to define, Greene said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2021

Barr made a fine distinction: he said he was responding to media reports that members of Mueller’s team had expressed frustration about the summary, as opposed to Mueller himself.

From The Guardian • May 1, 2019

That seemingly fine distinction is actually a good clue about how these apparent inconsistencies resolve.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2012

“Have you always been that way?” asked Milo impatiently, for he felt that that was a needlessly fine distinction.

From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster