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 By Bob Frey and Francie Murphy For The Union-Tribune The Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and wet winters, is a distinctive climate zone found in various regions around the world, including the lands between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 Every room has its own conditions and distinctive elements from the rest. Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2025 Many stalls have distinctive offerings from Madrid and other regions of Spain, allowing visitors a fantastic opportunity to sample small plates and drinks in a single location. AFAR Media, 11 Apr. 2025 Other options include Lakeview Lodge, Tamarack Lodge, and the Sky Deck, each providing distinctive menu options and atmospheres. Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
  • Pope Francis preached the same gospel in different language.
    John Hope Bryant, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Subtitles are easy to add to film, but, for the most part, they were used only when actors and audiences spoke different languages.
    David Owen, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 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
  • The school district is one of the nation’s largest and most ethnically and religiously diverse.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the biggest opportunities for Fort Worth include growth in population, growing the technology industry, expanding tourism, becoming more inclusive and diverse, protecting the environment, and creating job opportunities.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Once well enough to speak to Congress the next month, a thinner and wan Reagan acknowledged the thunderous applause from both parties in the chamber and then put everyone at ease with a characteristic anecdote.
    Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The characteristic rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some might offer better support than others or have a more natural resting spot for thumbs, but to greater or lesser extents, a good mouse is sculpted to fit the arch of the typical human hand.
    Matt Kamen, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • This means the storm was no longer feeding off ocean waters, and did not have the structural characteristics of a typical hurricane anymore.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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