distinct

adjective

dis·tinct | \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)t

Definition of distinct

1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as being discrete (see discrete sense 1) or not the same : separate a distinct cultural group teaching as distinct from research

2 : presenting a clear unmistakable impression a neat distinct handwriting

3 archaic : notably decorated

4a : notable a distinct contribution to scholarship

b : readily and unmistakably apprehended (see apprehend sense 2a) a distinct possibility of snow a distinct British accent the distinct odor of sulfur

Other Words from distinct Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about distinct

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Other Words from distinct

distinctly \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē

, -ˈstiŋ-klē \ adverb

distinctness \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs

, -ˈstiŋk-nəs \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for distinct

distinct, separate, discrete mean not being each and every one the same. distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others. two distinct versions separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things. separate rooms discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection. broke the job down into discrete stages

synonyms see in addition evident

Examples of distinct in a Sentence

There are three distinct categories. Each herb has its own distinct flavor. The phrase has three distinct meanings. There was the distinct smell of something burning. The outline became less and less distinct as the light faded. We had the distinct impression that they were lying.

Recent Examples on the Web Though both varieties cause virtually indistinguishable tumors and lead to starvation and death, the two cancers are genetically distinct. — Jason Bittel, Animals, "Gruesome cancer afflicting Tasmanian devils may be waning, a hopeful sign," 10 Dec. 2020 Tia and Tamera have very distinct personas that don’t fall into the stereotypical Black girl categories we were used to seeing on TV. — Kathleen Newman-bremang, refinery29.com, "Are You A Tia Or A Tamera? The Surprisingly Subversive Big Question Of Sister, Sister," 30 Nov. 2020 And separating those very distinct interactions make some design sense to me. — Justin Phillips, SFChronicle.com, "Roman Mars: COVID is transforming restaurant design and interactions — for better and for worse," 22 Nov. 2020 Of course, a Rolls-Royce customer can go an entirely different route and proffer a very distinct vision. — Morgan Korn, ABC News, "Silver or White? No way. More drivers are demanding customization," 3 Apr. 2021 While each editor has a very distinct style, their selects all have one thing in common: an arch-friendly heel. — Alexis Bennett, Vogue, "6 Editors Describe Their Perfect Reemergence Heel," 3 Apr. 2021 There aren’t many players in the NBA who can guard LeBron James and Anthony Davis – the jobs are so distinct and require combinations of size, speed, athleticism and smarts. — Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, "Lakers newsletter: Let’s get real, the Lakers are about to lose a lot of games," 31 Mar. 2021 The city and state appointment systems were completely distinct. — Sharon Otterman New York Times, Star Tribune, "New York's vaccine websites weren't working. He built a new one for $50," 12 Mar. 2021 What researchers found was that instead of just being some kind of beefed up gray wolf, dire wolves actually had very distinct DNA. — Angela Watercutter, Wired, "Scientists Have Sequenced Dire Wolf DNA. Thanks, Science!," 13 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distinct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.