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 Taking its name from a terrestrial kingfisher with a distinctive call, the Kookaburra is designed by Australian firm Unplgd Tiny Homes and is based on a triple-axle trailer and finished in wood, with metal accenting. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2025 Gates will open at 5 p.m. Known for his distinctive Western sound and rich storytelling, Ian Munsick has captured the hearts of country music fans nationwide. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 Bruce Glover, the unorthodox actor who portrayed Mr. Wint, the assassin with the distinctive aftershave who partnered with Putter Smith’s Mr. Kidd in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, has died. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 Mar. 2025 The distinctive metallic-colored patches belie the bug’s brown moniker. Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
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
Adjective
  • The Justice Department is considering a plan to merge the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), both of which often collaborate but have distinct missions.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The title drop, when a line of dialogue references the film’s title, is a delicate art with a distinct cult following.
    Donald Liebenson, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
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
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
Adjective
  • The physical and financial strains typical of an aging household may have caused hardships for removing vegetation – a best practice in protecting a structure from an ember fire.
    Calvin Schermerhorn, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Whoever wins the election will assume office immediately — without the country’s typical two-month transition period.
    Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on distinctive

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