distinct

adjective

dis·​tinct di-ˈstiŋ(k)t 

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

4

a

: 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

distinctly

di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē 

-ˈstiŋ-klē

adverb

distinctness

di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs 

-ˈstiŋk-nəs

noun

Synonyms of distinct

• different
• distinctive
• diverse
• distinguishable

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

While some competitors pull back on staff development due to industry turnover, grocers like Wegmans and Publix treat employee training as an essential investment to reduce churn and deliver a distinct customer experience. — Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026

The happiness was real, for a time, but the two artists, each with his own distinct problems and needs, were not going to be happy together, or with anyone else, for long. — Alan Hollinghurst, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

This enables the joint venture to tailor specific packs to distinct vehicle types, from heavy pickup trucks to compact city cars. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

YouTube’s strategy is distinct from Netflix’s — an interesting contrast between the two largest streaming services in the world by users. — Alex Sherman, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin distinctus, from past participle of distinguere — see distinguish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing distinct

• as distinct from

Rhymes for distinct

• extinct
• hoodwinked
• precinct
• succinct
• unlinked
• blinked
• clinked
• inked
• kinked
• linked
• tinct
• winked

Kids Definition

distinct

adjective

dis·​tinct dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t 

1

: real and different from each other

five distinct varieties

pears as distinct from apples

2

: clearly seen, heard, or understood : plain, unmistakable

speaks with a distinct accent

a distinct possibility

3

: notable

made a distinct contribution to science

distinctly adverb

distinctness noun