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

Lastly, Lulu Santos, a gifted Brazilian guitarist, singer and composer, has enchanted audiences for over five decades with his distinctive contributions to Brazilian music. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 July 2024

The eclectic spirit that fuels the couple’s art collecting also influences the interior scheme inside their five-bedroom house that boldly expresses their distinctive style. —Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2024

Each of the five ensuite bedrooms on the upper floor, including the primary suite, has a unique design and a distinctive attached bathroom. —Mark David, Robb Report, 15 July 2024

Notably, a section of 20 promises that the platform makes to Americans is written in all-caps, in his distinctive voice. —Aadit Tambe, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

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