DISTINCTIVE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

distinctive

adjective

di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv

Definition of distinctive next

as in different

being not of the same kind she seems to alternate between two distinctive hairstyles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of distinctive While 9 mm handguns are popular weapons, distinctive markings on the bullets and shell casings could reveal whether the gun used in the shooting was involved in any additional crimes. —

Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 The hotel's open-air lobby was the second object of my affection, framing beautiful seaside views that gave off a few hints about the distinctive character within. —

Linda Konde, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024 But Hong also points to how a distinctive figure that represents the artist is included in almost all of the scenes in Citizen 13660—a creative liberty, since Okubo naturally could not have seen herself. —

H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 4 Dec. 2024 As a result, the Sombrero’s distinctive glowing core region is much dimmer in Webb’s image. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distinctive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive

Adjective

The need for innovative and comprehensive solutions that alleviate the stress around planning, packing, labeling, traveling, and settling is evident, especially with the average American moving 11.7 times in a lifetime – every instance posing different challenges.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
The 2025 class will pursue their studies at 13 different institutions across the UK, ranging from Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh, to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024