Harry could not distinguish words; he decided that the speakers must be over by the desk.

Now he distinguished words, for the two had raised their voices as though in argument.

This is often enough to distinguish words with similar consonant-patterns.

He was aware of a small voice in his head, too faint yet to distinguish words.

She could hear low voices, almost whispers, and didn't want to distinguish individual words.

She heard them and knew people were speaking but could not distinguish words.

It's difficult for us even to distinguish individual words.

The shouting grew louder but she could not distinguish words.

Now both men standing by in the kitchen could hear it well enough to distinguish words.

Although she couldn't distinguish individual words, it was Trevor's voice below.