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Definition of distinctivenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinctive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinctive are characteristic, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When could characteristic be used to replace distinctive?

The meanings of characteristic and distinctive largely overlap; however, characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When might individual be a better fit than distinctive?

The words individual and distinctive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When is it sensible to use peculiar instead of distinctive?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinctive, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distinctive More than three decades and a dozen films since making his unusually assured debut with Bottle Rocket, director Wes Anderson is marking a new phase in his artistic career, with buzzy exhibits in London and Paris showcasing his distinctive aesthetic. Stephanie Sporn, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026 This distinctive pair of denim often stops just above the ankle with loose hem showing, which creates the perfect opportunity to show off your favorite pair of sneakers. Aaron Royce, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026 Named for its distinctive call, the cao vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus) is Earth’s second rarest primate. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026 Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr, best known for his dark and distinctive works of feature filmmaking, has died. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
  • Thousands of people took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon to protest federal immigration activity after agents were involved in two different shootings this week, one that left a woman dead in Minneapolis and another that wounded two people in Portland, Oregon.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Just like its jogger counterpart, this hoodie comes in three different lengths and is carried up to a size 3XL.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Formed by rolling up sheets of atoms, these hollow tubes exhibit unique behaviors distinct from bulk materials due to their nanoscale dimensions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Her bubbly, non-threatening stage persona, paired with her cutting jokes and roasts, feels distinct in her body of work.
    Rima Parikh, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Recognizing the diverse needs of the community, Orange Coast Medical Center also offers prenatal, postpartum, and breastfeeding classes in Vietnamese, ensuring language is never a barrier to receiving compassionate care.
    MemorialCare Medical Group, Oc Register, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The work triangle has origins dating back to the 19th century, but in a space that now serves diverse purposes and is filled with technology and appliances that didn’t exist when it was created, is the kitchen work triangle still relevant?
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While achieving a rugged look, the fiber retains the signature softness and high moisture-regulating properties characteristic of TENCEL™ Lyocell, enhancing wearer comfort.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
  • And a floral, almost roselike aroma, considered characteristic of wines from cooler regions, was recently discovered to be caused by the inclusion of dead leaves in the ferment.
    Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Even the skin around the bean had a distinguishable bite, clinging to each chickpea rather than turning slippery or wispy.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Whether a vibrating insert can deliver clear, distinguishable signals without blending into the background – or worse, become a distraction in itself – remains an open question.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The company intends to move away from the low-volume manufacturing typical of the aviation industry.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The project could also bypass typical rezoning requirements, allowing building to occur in agricultural and natural areas.
    Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on distinctive

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