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 To date, more than 1,870 viewers have taken to the comments section to express their joy at the lighthearted moment, with many poking fun at Goose's distinctive look back at his owner. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 Beginning with inspirations pulled directly from the house’s archives, and fully utilizing the Balmain atelier’s traditional couture techniques, Rousteing has been able to create his own distinctive style at the historic house. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 9 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
  • In biology, sometimes many different molecules can do the same job.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • Granted, the level of opponents was different this time around, but still, there is a risk this could be considered a setback.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • As five distinct stories unfold, creators wonder: In a future when memories can be erased, identities rewritten and fate engineered, what remains truly ours?
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Research suggests disengagement isn't simply the absence of engagement but a distinct psychological state with its own antecedents and consequences.
    Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • PrideFest 2025 is packed with incredible entertainment, diverse vendors, and family-friendly activities.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 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
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 inherent volatility is characteristic of emerging technologies but represents a significant hurdle for widespread adoption.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ordinarily, between 1,700 and 2,000 job orders are posted during a typical day shift, and between 1,100 and 1,400 are posted during a standard night shift.
    Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • This choice allows the plants to make maximum use of the soil's water and nutrients resources, particularly important in the poor soils and arid climates typical of Apulia.
    Elisabetta Tosi, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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