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
  • As impressive as Emmi’s ultra-subjective multimedia approach can be at times, the mix of formats and different timelines occasionally feels like a strategy to mislead.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Obviously, the context would be very different depending on who won.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The New Yorker received the National Magazine Award for photography, winning for images illustrating three very distinct stories.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
Adjective
  • Gaining insights into tariff talks would fall squarely within Beijing's typical spying domains, Gundert said.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • By the early 1960s, a typical Broadway season would field on average 60 or so shows.
    Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on distinctive

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