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

Hayon will take over the entire gallery space, floor to ceiling, exploring the theme of bestiality in relation to his interdisciplinary approach and his distinctive visual vocabulary. —Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

The local economy is increasingly a distinctive factor for the city of Lisbon, and gastronomy contributes greatly to the quality of Lisbon's tourism. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2024

Instead, the industry has simply responded to the groundswell that had already formed around Lainey and her distinctive brand of country music. —Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 26 Nov. 2024

The magic lies in how these woods are blended—paired with everything from juniper berries and vanilla to patchouli—crafting distinctive scents that showcase each candle’s personality. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 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