distinct

adjective

di-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce distinct (audio)
Definition of distinctnext
1
as in different
being not of the same kind two distinct approaches to the same problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation a person with a distinct Scottish accent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort I left distinct instructions that my books were not to be touched

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4
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group one of the distinct traits of a preliterate society

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinct are apparent, clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of distinct?

Apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than distinct?

The synonyms clear and distinct are sometimes interchangeable, but clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would evident be a good substitute for distinct?

In some situations, the words evident and distinct are roughly equivalent. However, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When is it sensible to use manifest instead of distinct?

The words manifest and distinct can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of distinct?

The words obvious and distinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When could patent be used to replace distinct?

The meanings of patent and distinct largely overlap; however, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to distinct?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinct, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

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 distinct Trump and his trade advisers insist that the rules governing global commerce put the United States at a distinct disadvantage. —Time, 9 Apr. 2025 Some of her hits were solo efforts with a distinct R&B sound, while others came in the form of high-profile collaborations. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Additionally, the team saw several distinct patterns of how the cores on these tools had been broken into smaller blades. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025 Attempting to crown a single victor would overlook the distinct strengths of each system; there is no one-size-fits-all choice. —PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
  1. different
  2. unmistakable
  3. specific
  4. distinctive
  5. diverse
  6. obvious
  7. special
  8. characteristic
Adjective
  • New York is estimated to have over 100 different types of trees, with the most common kinds being birch, maple and beech trees.
    — Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Texas lawmakers are looking to rein in access to products that contain THC, but the House and Senate could take somewhat different approaches.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • It had been stated before, that Starfleet ships in the 23rd century didn’t have holodecks, but suddenly here is one — that grid pattern is unmistakable — and the crew seems to be using it to solve a whodunnit, Christie-style.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
  • For over 20 years, her unmistakable voice has been the soundtrack to countless lives, blending gospel music a powerful message of faith.
    — Shelby Stewart, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The president revealed that the U.S. will place additional tariffs on specific countries, for example China, which have benefited from large trade surpluses with the U.S.
    — Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ryan Coogler brings so much style to this very cool blend of a specific period, genres, and Black culture.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • These minerals vary depending on the spring, giving sparkling water its distinctive taste profiles—from softly bubbly and subtly salty to bracingly effervescent with a sharp minerality.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This distinctive hue, paler in the center and deeper around the edges, evokes the shimmering beauty of alpine glaciers and lakes and the change in their reflections as the light changes and time passes.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • His credits since then include a diverse range of features.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Highlighting how their diverse background and insights lead to innovative solutions can set them apart.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • What makes her special is that while in the NCAA, Nugent frequently competed in the 100-meter hurdles and 100-meter dash, earning several All-American honors in both events.
    — Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The special will also be available for live viewing on Paramount+.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • Chemical analyses in 2007 by teams including C. Kevin Boyce provided further support by revealing carbon isotope ratios characteristic of heterotrophic fungi.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Jay North, who starred as the young mischief maker with the characteristic blond cowlick on the 1959-63 CBS comedy Dennis the Menace, has died.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of characteristic

Browse Nearby Words

distills
distinct
distinction
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Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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