distinctive

adjective

dis·​tinc·​tive di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv How to pronounce distinctive (audio)
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
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 Now, though, there are hints that this form of violence can cause a distinctive pattern of brain damage, one that is at least as disabling as the damage that occurs on a football field or a battlefield. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 Take away the teetering conceptual pieces of the book and there’s little that’s distinctive about 3 Body Problem as a science fiction brand. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Growing up in Dearborn was distinctive in other ways — such as hearing the adhan, or call to prayer, that echoed through parts of town five times per day. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Interiors feature closet cabinets with Maison Gatti's French lattice work, art won at auction, and bathrooms with huge, distinctive tile tubs. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2024 Beverly’s distinctive voice and timeless compositions have garnered widespread acclaim from his early days with Maze to his solo endeavors. Diego Ramos Bechara, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Each property was decorated in a different, distinctive way. Suyin Haynes, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 These individuals’ diverse languages melded together, and a distinctive patois and culture started to emerge. Joshua Kagavi, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Humpback whales are normally identified by the distinctive markings on their flukes, or tails. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distinctive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of distinctive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near distinctive

Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinctive. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

distinctive

adjective
dis·​tinc·​tive dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-tiv How to pronounce distinctive (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on distinctive

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