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
• 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

Some patients also develop distinctive rashes, particularly those associated with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. —Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 7 July 2025

The Phoenix Financial Center, a distinctive office complex in central Phoenix, is slated for a major renovation. —Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025

The response was immediate: many believed the artifact resembled the base of a Clovis point—a distinctive stone tool crafted by Paleoindian peoples more than 12,000 years ago. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025

Check the insulation in the attic for distinctive trails, as well as random smears of dirt on the outside of the home, which can point to one or more raccoons living in the house. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025

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