1
as in different
being not of the same kind
she seems to alternate between two distinctive hairstyles
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distinct
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the distinctive odor of a barnyard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The large amphibians have distinctive, almost leopard-like, brown markings on a light tan body.
—
Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Joseph Eichler was a visionary real estate developer of the mid-20th century who revolutionized suburban housing by building over 11,000 affordable — yet architecturally distinctive —modernist homes across California.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Manari says each vessel will be as distinctive and individual as the owner who commands it.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Peanut reportedly enjoyed his time at the bar, interacting with guests and earning the nickname Screech for his distinctive meow.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Joseph Eichler was a visionary real estate developer of the mid-20th century who revolutionized suburban housing by building over 11,000 affordable — yet architecturally distinctive —modernist homes across California.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Manari says each vessel will be as distinctive and individual as the owner who commands it.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Peanut reportedly enjoyed his time at the bar, interacting with guests and earning the nickname Screech for his distinctive meow.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
-
The company also showed off the Max10 Ultra, a hybrid robot vacuum that can automatically swap between three different sets of mop heads based on the flooring type.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Plenty of thought clearly also went into creating the right ambience from the moment the team bus pulls up behind the West Stand judging by the different lighting and imagery used to shift the mood as the players pass through the bowels of the arena.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
China’s three distinct tech phases China’s tech success over the past 20 years was really achieved in three phases.—
Rich Karlgaard,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Do a separate soil test for each distinct area of your yard, such as existing or future vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, because the lab recommendations will depend on the type of plants in that area.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Her 8-year-old son Auron has been studying the diverse plants that grow there and learning to pull up invasive species.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Film Festival with a robust lineup led by female filmmakers, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in international cinema through diverse storytelling approaches.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The unique pairings are based on everything from the candy's name and shape to their characteristic tastes and qualities.—
Sheena Chihak,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Sep. 2025
-
That’s the kind of characteristic that is played out throughout the film.—
Maelle Beauget-Uhl,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
His distinguishable look, punctuated by a large black beard, became iconic.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
His analysis of Paqueta’s performances in the four games under scrutiny was that his fouls were simply typical of an attacking midfielder trying — not very successfully — to help his team defensively.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Temperatures will be slightly cooler over the fire today, with winds outside of thunderstorm gusts being typical diurnal winds.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share