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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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4
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group one of the distinct traits of a preliterate society

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 With childhood increasingly recognized as a distinct stage of life and education in the later nineteenth century, school texts and children’s books were one way to suggest to children a certain sort of morality and social grounding. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 May 2025 This new study looked into the long lineage of these distinct bed bug populations. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 May 2025 One of the most effective ways to do this is by specializing in client segments with distinct financial needs, values, and life experiences. —Jason Katz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 Its distinct big band sound and rhythms attracted both young and old on Friday night including Haitian konpa fans pushing walkers. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 May 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
  • Young, a British Columbia native who played for three different colleges and spent seven seasons in the minors before playing for the Doosan Bears in South Korea last season, hit his fourth career Major League homer and his first since September 2009 with the Chicago Cubs.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
  • But Mbappe chose to distance himself from that debate and his opening season was different to Ronaldo’s.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • The gravity of the moment was unmistakable — the consequences of a loss, and the eventual magnitude of a win.
    — Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • In a market defined by uncertainty, the bond market’s message is unmistakable: brace for impact.
    — Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The collective bargaining agreement between MLS and its players stipulates specific bonus payouts for tournaments that MLS players typically compete in, like the U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.
    — Pablo Maurer, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • While Tylenol is targeting a variety of consumers who may experience pain with this launch, Gow identified a few specific ones, particularly those 40-plus.
    — Emily Burns, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • The animal has a long tail and distinctive tufts of soft hair.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Their selection always includes highly sophisticated and distinctive films that have broadened my cinematic horizons.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 May 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • Working with endemic and non-endemic brands on collaborations and collections including FootJoy, Jimmy Choo, Curb Your Enthusiasm and adidas, Malbon Golf continues to shine a spotlight on the game, particularly among golf’s growing youth and diverse demographics.
    — Michael LoRé, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • After the show ended, many cast members pursued diverse paths in acting, directing, and even politics, each carrying a piece of the show's legacy with them.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • McDonnell is a Times staff writer and Sánchez Vidal is a special correspondent.
    — Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • The news arrives just days before Duran Duran kick off their European and U.K. tour with Rodgers and CHIC joining as special guests.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 June 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • However, each object is characteristic of its community, made with different varieties of flint and in a particular shape.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025
  • This experimental approach is characteristic of Ulvaeus’s career-long fascination with technological innovation.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 June 2025
Definition of characteristic

Browse Nearby Words

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 11 Jun. 2025.

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