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 \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē

, -ˈstiŋ-klē \ adverb

distinctness \ di-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

Calling this iPadOS signals that the iPad is meant to be something distinct from the iPhone. — Dieter Bohn, The Verge, "iPadOS public beta preview: worthy of the new name," 24 June 2019 As though owners have an interest in the hearts of their fans that’s distinct from their interest in the contents of the wallets of their fans. — Eric Zorn, chicagotribune.com, "Thanks, Ricketts family, for aiding my transition from Cubs to Sox," 7 June 2019 Hong Kong is a former British colony and maintains its own Western-style legal system distinct from China's heavily politicized courts. — NBC News, "Hong Kong court says denying same-sex spousal benefits unlawful," 6 June 2019 What’s native to North Alabama tastes different than central Alabama’s, which varies from East Alabama’s and is distinct from South Alabama’s. — Eric Velasco, al.com, "Meet the crew who makes Birmingham’s barbecue," 3 June 2019 During the first half of the 19th century, interest developed in rooms themselves, as distinct from interiors being depicted simply as a backdrop to a portrait or a scene with people. — Elizabeth Pash, House Beautiful, "Why You Need to Start Collecting Interior Drawings," 19 Apr. 2019 Modern Icelanders are largely genetically distinct from their distant Viking ancestors, however. — Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, "State of Science: Ancient DNA Starts Answering Archaeology's Big Questions," 1 Jan. 2019 This kind of hurts the movie’s attempt to establish the identity of the Creed franchise as something distinct from the Rocky franchise. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "Creed II is no Creed. But it’s a pretty good Rocky sequel.," 21 Nov. 2018 The title page of the French edition advertises it as a récit—a tale or an account—as distinct from a roman, a novel. — James Campbell, WSJ, "‘The Order of the Day’ Review: When Adolf Came," 27 Sep. 2018

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.