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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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

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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 But even as China’s scientific development in fields such as artificial intelligence becomes more distinct from that of Western countries, tech developers and entrepreneurs will want to participate in both spheres. —Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Joel and Ellie’s world came alive in these new scenes, and felt rich and distinct from those of other postapocalyptic projects. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025 The visa, however, is distinct from a student’s status, these lawsuits argue: The visa allows foreign students to enter the United States. —Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 21 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 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
  • Pope Francis preached the same gospel in different language.
    — John Hope Bryant, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The ability of the government to cross-reference personal information using databases from different agencies is tightly regulated under the US Privacy Act.
    — Dell Cameron, Wired News, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • She’s been wildly influential without ever being less than unmistakable; no matter what sonic, thematic or characteristic elements other artists may borrow from her, none of them would ever risk being taken for Lana herself.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The song, a collaboration between The Pogues frontman MacGowan and the unmistakable O’Connor, reenters the Official Physical Singles chart at No. 18.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • Though, when looking at specific issues, that confidence drops further.
    — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • From its facial expressions to its distinctive chirp, the creature is wreathed in a kind of nostalgia that Eighties kids will remember from those early days trolling the VHS rack at their local Blockbuster.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • They were inspired by treasured calligraphy tools, and each brush features a unique walnut handle with distinctive grain.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • The school district is one of the nation’s largest and most ethnically and religiously diverse.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the biggest opportunities for Fort Worth include growth in population, growing the technology industry, expanding tourism, becoming more inclusive and diverse, protecting the environment, and creating job opportunities.
    — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Still, Strider was frustrated for obvious reasons and searching for answers.
    — David O'Brien, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Everything else had to be washed with a special antimicrobial detergent.
    — Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The team will wear special commemorative jerseys to honor Pope Francis in its April 26 match.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • 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
  • The characteristic rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
    — Doc Louallen, ABC News, 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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