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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2
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation a person with a distinct Scottish accent

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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

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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 The Masked Singer reveals Ant as former girl group star, and finally brings out Lucky Duck to taunt the panel Then, Space Ranger came out, and had the distinct honor of being the first person on The Masked Singer to sing a song by Taylor Swift. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Her voice, a raw and expressive instrument, seemed to channel the spirits of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin, all while still possessing a distinct, youthful energy. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 This is classic mosaic evolution, where different parts of the anatomy evolve at distinct rates. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 Resisting the label of fusion, Twitty describes the dish as an homage to flavors that highlights the intersections between distinct culinary traditions. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 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
  • Schenn’s situation, however, is a little different.
    — Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Johnson knows Wednesday’s game will be different.
    — Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • The entire capsule collection features quirky touches evocative of Johnson’s idiosyncratic and unmistakable approach to fashion.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And so the passion that the Japanese fans have for the game of baseball (was unmistakable).
    — Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • Some concern over Tesla involves the company’s performance, while others are specific to Musk, who is spending much of his time in Washington D.C Consumers are also growing worried about the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the economy.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Mario Tama/Getty Images Job cuts impact the visitor experience The NPS has not publicly confirmed the number or types of jobs lost at specific national parks, nor responded to NPR's requests for comment.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Scientists have observed few interactions of narwhals in their natural habitat, creating speculation about the purpose of the species’ distinctive spiraling tusk.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The robot features distinctive family-style star ring lights and customizable movements through simulation learning and continuous evolution.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • To increase access, liquid biopsies must perform consistently across diverse healthcare settings, from high-tech oncology centers to local clinics.
    — Mariya Filipova, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • After years of criticism, the organization diversified its 50 Best voting pool to be more racially and gender diverse and began to include restaurants in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
    — Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appétit, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • This year organizers are acknowledging openly what’s been obvious for a while.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Then there are the injuries and other conditions that emergency physicians treat regularly that are often preventable — but may not be obvious to the rest of us.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • The business was run by James and Kelly Bracken, who own Riverdale Materials LLC, which was sued in 2018 by a competing company that said Jackson gave the business special treatment in his position as mayor.
    — Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
  • What makes the possibility of Ovechkin breaking Gretzky’s goal record this season so special is that Ovechkin would be doing it at the same seasonal rate as Gretzky did.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • Charmingly, the leap indicator was actually displayed on the 48 month subdial, something highly characteristic of the 5516.
    — Thomas Wojtowicz, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • These human failings are characteristic of popes up to the modern day.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of characteristic

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Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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