v. To distinguish things by contrasting their different qualities.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
v. To distinguish by a contrast of opposite qualities.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
To distinguish not merely by differential, but by opposite qualities; discriminate by direct contrast.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
v. distinguish by contrasting qualities
Word Usage
"Finally, I will note down those fundamental characteristics which contradistinguish the ancient literature from the modern generally, but which more especially appear in prominence in the tragic drama."