distinct

adjective

dis·tinct | \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)t

Definition of distinct

1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as being discrete (see discrete sense 1) or not the same : separate a distinct cultural group teaching as distinct from research

2 : presenting a clear unmistakable impression a neat distinct handwriting

3 archaic : notably decorated

4a : notable a distinct contribution to scholarship

b : readily and unmistakably apprehended (see apprehend sense 2a) a distinct possibility of snow a distinct British accent the distinct odor of sulfur

Other Words from distinct Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about distinct

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Other Words from distinct

distinctly \ -ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē

, -ˈstiŋ-klē \ adverb

distinctness \ -ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs

, -ˈstiŋk-nəs \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for distinct

distinct, separate, discrete mean not being each and every one the same. distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others. two distinct versions separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things. separate rooms discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection. broke the job down into discrete stages

synonyms see in addition evident

Examples of distinct in a Sentence

There are three distinct categories. Each herb has its own distinct flavor. The phrase has three distinct meanings. There was the distinct smell of something burning. The outline became less and less distinct as the light faded. We had the distinct impression that they were lying.

Recent Examples on the Web

Are the upper and lower mantle chemically distinct, and if so, how do the separate thermodynamic cycles work? — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "Seismologists Discover Mountain Ranges 410 Miles Below Earth’s Surface," 19 Feb. 2019 Harry Reid, the former leading Democrat in the Senate, came away with the distinct impression that Mr. Brennan wanted that dossier out in the public. — Fox News, "Rudy Giuliani on McGahn's testimony, origins of Russia probe," 19 Aug. 2018 Tuesday’s semifinal left the distinct impression that just a single entity, France, is without weakness. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "World Cup: France proves masterful in all phases," 10 July 2018 For Mary Katrantzou’s Fall 2019 collection at London Fashion Week yesterday, the designer sectioned her rainbow-bright lineup into four distinct themes, all centred around nature: earth, air, fire, and water. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Mary Katrantzou Makes the Case for Spunky Clip-In Streaks," 17 Feb. 2019 At dinner, over Werner’s perfect ribeye cap, and with Mulanix’s repeat pours of grüner and grenache, our group in fact had a distinct feeling of wellness. — Mark Rozzo, Town & Country, "Introducing Blackberry Mountain, the Idyllic New Resort from Blackberry Farm," 11 Feb. 2019 For me, just seeing the kind of international synergy—people thinking along parallel lines as far apart as Brazil, Tokyo, or New York—to see how design ideas both have a commonality and yet a quite distinct, regional character, was inspiring. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "The Museum of Modern Art's Upcoming 'Value of Good Design' Exhibit is Not One to Miss," 7 Feb. 2019 Strategic heavy bombers such as today’s B-2 Spirit and the longstanding B-52H Stratofortress could carry many nuclear bombs and strike multiple geographically distinct targets. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Does America Still Need the Nuclear Triad?," 23 Jan. 2019 While the third movie was a distinct possibility at one point, the feud between Kim Cattrall and SJP has thrown a major spanner in the works since. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Sarah Jessica Parker is Bringing Back Carrie Bradshaw for a Mystery Cause With a "Great Brand"," 21 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distinct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.