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

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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

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 Nvidia’s stock has been no stranger to volatility over the years, but the current moment presents distinct difficulties. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025 In a multi-agent system, each AI agent can be assigned a distinct skill—such as image recognition, natural language processing or data retrieval. —Julius Černiauskas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Tailor Personal Portfolios And Reels To Specific Roles Creative artists and designers can elevate their personal brand by curating visually compelling portfolios or reels tailored to specific roles, highlighting measurable impact and distinct style. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Product marketing continues to emerge as a critical function in many organizations, gaining a reputation distinct from traditional marketing in growing a business. —Joe Ariganello, Forbes, 14 Mar. 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
  • His true goal of creating and refining Egypt’s sound in hip-hop has not changed, even if the circumstances around him and his lyrical themes have taken a different approach.
    — Danny Hajjar, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Obviously, the context would be very different depending on who won.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • Immediate Action Required: The urgency is unmistakable.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His speech contained an unmistakable warning for Bolsonaro.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The models are also trained to follow instructions more literally, which requires careful and specific prompting but allows for greater control over the output.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hilbert mentioned some specific subgoals, however, and researchers have since refined his vision into concrete steps toward its solution.
    — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Follow her on LinkedIn Dr. Yasmine Saad, Founder and Director of Psychological Services Dr. Yasmine Saad is advancing psychological care with her distinctive Inner Message Approach®, which treats emotions as meaningful signals rather than problems to eliminate.
    — Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Alongside his wife Doris, Krause spent more than three decades sourcing rare and distinctive set dressing from around the world, curating a collection that remains integral to film and television productions today.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • On one hand, institutions with robust financial aid programs may attract a more diverse and talented pool of applicants.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Colleges must find ways to balance their budgets while effectively meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse and financially disadvantaged student body.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Lawmakers can call themselves back to the Capitol in Boise for special sessions with a petition signed by at least 60% of the House and Senate.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Typically, a Seder plate is made up for the special gathering and contains six parts that symbolize Exodus.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • The characteristic rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
    — Doc Louallen, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of characteristic

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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 22 Apr. 2025.

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