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 Though technically a biennial, foxgloves reseed readily in the garden to provide a perennial supply of new plants and distinctive blooms. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 July 2025 With a distinctive, trustworthy credit card comparison platform by your side, rebuilding your credit score from scratch can become an effortless obligation in place of a looming liability. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 July 2025 Its milky blue waters are rich in silica, algae, and minerals, giving the lagoon its distinctive color and reputed skin-healing properties. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 However, the emergence of new centers of power, particularly China and to a lesser extent Russia, has brought the unipolar era to a close, ushering in a multipolar world where the distinctive nature of great powers is once again reshaped. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
  • And in a different carousel of photos, which Justin shared on Friday, the singer once again cozied up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her in what appeared to be candid shots.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • The Enquirer tried to contact ICE spokespeople via two different emails, separately contacted the Detroit field office, and requested any reports related to the alleged prank.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • Literature has a distinct ability to illuminate truth’s multiplicities; writers like Ullmann remind readers that fact and fiction are fragile categories, and that collapsing them can yield enthralling results.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
  • Today, over 3 in 5 cannabis consumers are aware of terpenes: organic compounds present in plants, fungi and cannabis, and are responsible for distinct scents, flavors and therapeutic effects.
    Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Iranian diaspora is extraordinarily diverse, and political and generational outlooks often transcend religious lines.
    Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
  • After losing her teaching job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lê leaned fully into her content, collaborating with publishers, monetizing lesson plans through platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, and building a business focused on diverse and inclusive book collections.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • One unnamed feature on the intro sticks out though, complementing Tyler’s characteristic moxie with seasoned, head-of-state bravado.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 21 July 2025
  • As is characteristic of SummerFest, there will be some unexpected collaborations and surprises, including a dance-and-violin performance and a concert featuring an onstage chef.
    Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • On a recent Friday morning, a group of half a dozen neighbors and business owners in Fountain Square gathered near Leonard Street, looking prepared for a typical neighborhood cleanup.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • Regents selected the two most recent UT presidential appointments at University of Texas at Dallas and UTHealth Houston after a national search by a presidential search advisory committee, per the typical policy.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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