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 of distinctive

• different
• diverse
• distinct
• distinguishable

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

In smaller cities, investors can look for historic, walkable main streets with distinctive architecture that offer lower taxes than those nearby. — Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

In the years since, she’s built a cult following for her whimsical knits in distinctive shades and cut with a certain SoCal insouciance. — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026

Close in, a comet is battered by the torrent of the sun's solar wind, which pushes the comet's material away into a distinctive tail. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Gonzalez’s Instagram portfolio features a collection of similar skin-first looks, each with its own distinctive glow; the artist often favors radiant complexions over matte finishes. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for distinctive

• instinctive

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