as in distinctness
the quality or state of being different
the pronounced distinctiveness of his style of playing the violin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 distinctiveness
In the immediate future, Murray said, the Post would concentrate on areas that demonstrate authority, distinctiveness and impact, and resonate with readers, including politics, national affairs and security.
—
David Bauder, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
As to the non-final action, one problem for the A’s is that the marks fail to show enough distinctiveness.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Judean culture had been transformed by Greek influence for centuries, but Antiochus attempted to quash Judean religious distinctiveness altogether.
—Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
The Innovation Award honors exceptional distinctiveness, inventiveness and impact in expanding the conventions of program format, content, audience interaction, production technique and delivery.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 9 Dec. 2025
Corey Lee’s innovative vision redefined the concept of ‘Asian’ food, moving beyond a broad category to celebrate and respect the distinctiveness of specific regional cuisines, in this case, Korean.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025
That precise sensation—a vague disquietude, a vexation—is central to the band’s distinctiveness.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
In the 1960s, Canadians hungered for public intellectuals pontificating on the distinctiveness of their identity.
—Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
There’s no spark of distinctiveness in any of these characters.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
David Bauder, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
As to the non-final action, one problem for the A’s is that the marks fail to show enough distinctiveness.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Judean culture had been transformed by Greek influence for centuries, but Antiochus attempted to quash Judean religious distinctiveness altogether.
—Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
The Innovation Award honors exceptional distinctiveness, inventiveness and impact in expanding the conventions of program format, content, audience interaction, production technique and delivery.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 9 Dec. 2025
Corey Lee’s innovative vision redefined the concept of ‘Asian’ food, moving beyond a broad category to celebrate and respect the distinctiveness of specific regional cuisines, in this case, Korean.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025
That precise sensation—a vague disquietude, a vexation—is central to the band’s distinctiveness.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
In the 1960s, Canadians hungered for public intellectuals pontificating on the distinctiveness of their identity.
—Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
There’s no spark of distinctiveness in any of these characters.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctiveness
Noun
-
How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?—
Christian Wiman,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
-
However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.—
Ryan Gaur,
Rolling Stone,
19 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The difference between boys aged 10 and 12 compared to 13 and 14 is huge.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2026
-
What the files do seem to confirm, though, is the conspiracy theorist’s view of an elite stratosphere, where normal rules don’t apply, everyone knows each other, and ideological differences are subsumed to self-interested motives.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In his op-ed reflecting on the texts, the secretary takes to task the Westminster establishment that allowed Mandelson’s selection, but also waxes philosophical about sexism, diversity, and inclusion.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The Winter Youth Olympic Games sponsor the sport as well, and unlike the men, there is diversity at the top.—
Dana ONeil,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The law names city, county, and other local agencies, as well as federal law enforcement agencies, but notably does not include law enforcement officers employed by the state, creating a distinction that the judge found discriminatory against federal agents.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
-
This distinction is fast becoming one of the most consequential competitive fault lines in modern markets.—
Christopher Vollmer,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Internally, Costco has kept a formal diversity office and program in place, even as management remains predominantly white—a contrast the company acknowledges while pledging to keep pushing toward its DEI goals.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
This, in stark contrast to a time when most designers developed each body part as a separate element of a traditional three-box design.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distinctiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctiveness. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
