distinctive

adjective

dis·​tinc·​tive di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 

1

a

: marking as separate or different : serving to distinguish

the distinctive flight of the crane

b

: having or giving an uncommon and appealing quality : having or giving style or distinction

a distinctive table setting

a writer with a distinctive prose style

2

linguistics : capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance

distinctively adverb

distinctiveness noun

Synonyms

• different
• disparate
• dissimilar
• distant
• distinct
• distinguishable
• diverse
• nonidentical
• other
• unalike
• unlike

Choose the Right Synonym for distinctive

characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity.

characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

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

distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

Examples of distinctive in a Sentence

He had a very distinctive walk.

This wine has a more distinctive flavor than that one.

The store sells only the most distinctive chocolates.

Recent Examples on the Web

But so do quality and distinctive storytelling rooted in specificity and worlds largely unseen on U.S. television. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Feb. 2024

At the confluence of two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains in Spain is Alcázar de Segovia, one of the country's most distinctive medieval castles. —Steven Casale, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2024

His distinctive style, lyrical prose and vivid descriptions make the comparison to poetry apt. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024

Translucent during the day and illuminated at night, the grouping of New York artist Jody Pinto’s 20 fiberglass canopies at the Third Street station recall groupings of Charlotte’s trees, its most distinctive natural feature. —Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024

The primary focus of this upgrade is to provide clients with an extensive array of customization options for crafting distinctive websites that accurately represent their brand identity and resonate with their audience. —Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

Forbes Mill has a distinctive and elegant vibe, suited for business meetings, serious dates, anniversaries and significant celebrations. —Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2024

Characters who might all have been of a piece were instead imbued with a distinctive edge and depth, and often proved more engaging than their heroic counterparts. —Alex Barasch, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2024

The series has largely retained the distinctive indie voice and aesthetic fans loved — minus its original voice cast. —Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2024

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Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

distinctive

adjective

dis·​tinc·​tive dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-tiv 

1

: clearly marking a person or a thing as different from others

a distinctive walk

2

: having or giving a special look or way

distinctive clothes

distinctively adverb

distinctiveness noun