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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinct are apparent, clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of distinct?

Apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than distinct?

The synonyms clear and distinct are sometimes interchangeable, but clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would evident be a good substitute for distinct?

In some situations, the words evident and distinct are roughly equivalent. However, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When is it sensible to use manifest instead of distinct?

The words manifest and distinct can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of distinct?

The words obvious and distinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When could patent be used to replace distinct?

The meanings of patent and distinct largely overlap; however, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to distinct?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinct, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distinct As the line between traditional and decentralized finance becomes less distinct, staking is emerging as an increasingly significant feature of the modern financial system. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 So Cutright started his own fireworks company, nearby, but distinct from Chee’s. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Players choose a historical figure, who has his or her own perks and abilities, and pair the leader with a civilization, which also has its distinct traits. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025 MonoFlex and GearFlex are plate technologies, each with a distinct approach to flex. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
Adjective
  • These gains appeared across different growing conditions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • That's because nudity can take on drastically different meanings.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a deep respect for the brand’s heritage throughout the collection, but also an unmistakable drive to modernize, internationalize, and individualize the designs for today’s and tomorrow’s audience.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The mood on the factory floor was unmistakable.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While giants like Diageo and Pernod Ricard dominate volumes, smaller distilleries like Torabhaig are carving out space by leaning into provenance, limited releases, and distinctive house styles.
    Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • At least with this latest batch of iPhones, Apple has made those options much more distinctive and has finally brought some interesting physical variety to the market.
    Bob O’Donnell, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Recognizing the value of diverse skills, creating mutual trust, and deliberately building team cohesion are lessons every executive can apply on Earth.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The United States became more demographically diverse, and fewer people were married from 2023 to 2024.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And a soft implant can be the best option to avoid an obvious edge.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • That’s because your liver won’t give you obvious clues that say there’s a MASH up going there.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Townshend recalled performing in Chicago at a small club turned roller rink called the Kinetic Playground, 1969 performances with a particularly special opening act.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Xp Lee won a special election in Minnesota on Tuesday to replace Melissa Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who was assassinated in June.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When whole chia seeds soak in liquid, the surface breaks down, giving them their characteristic gel-like consistency and helping your body absorb their nutritional goodness.
    Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Their foliage is feathery and silvery-green, and the characteristic seed heads provide interest even after the blooms have faded.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on distinct

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