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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 While following very distinct paths through the industry, Lee, Yang and Ng have each devoted their careers to improving the prominence of Asian storytelling on the world stage. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2025 What has remained distinct is where D.O.s work: disproportionately in rural areas, and in primary care practices. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025 In this regard, there seems to be two distinct lines of thinking. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 July 2025 Consider Stapleton International Airport’s reincarnation as Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, or suburban Chicago’s Glenview Naval Air Station’s rebirth as The Glen, a live-dine-play-shop community featuring 2,000 homes in eight distinct enclaves. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
Adjective
  • And in a different carousel of photos, which Justin shared on Friday, the singer once again cozied up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her in what appeared to be candid shots.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • Petoskey and Charlevoix stones are both are different species of coral.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the short TikTok clip, Beau stares ahead, refusing to look at his owner, before glancing back with unmistakable judgment in his eyes.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Across 13 tracks, the Street Mob wunderkind turns his unmistakable vocal chops into the driving force behind his most adventurous album yet, stepping confidently into banda, rap, and trap without losing sight of his roots.
    Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike other streaming platforms, new Neon film releases on Hulu aren’t relegated to a specific day.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The specific flowers, shrubs and trees that are seasonally planted in the garden have also changed over time, sometimes out of necessity.
    Kyler Alvord, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Quantum Computing’s Emerging Capabilities and Threats Quantum computing works by harnessing the distinctive properties of atoms and subatomic particles.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The durable Rogers — who has a distinctive submarine delivery — has made 53 appearances this season with a 1.80 ERA, four walks and 38 strikeouts for the San Francisco Giants.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • But with over 200 wineries, the Old North State is steadily transforming into one of the country’s most exciting and diverse wine states.
    Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
  • After losing her teaching job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lê leaned fully into her content, collaborating with publishers, monetizing lesson plans through platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, and building a business focused on diverse and inclusive book collections.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • In particular, the lack of late-inning arms with bat-missing raw stuff stands out as an obvious weakness for the playoffs, as the Tigers’ bullpen has the AL’s lowest strikeout rate overall.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 28 July 2025
  • The duty-free treatment of the past is on the verge of being replaced with a 50 percent punitive tariff — a shocking and destructive increase that serves no obvious purpose.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Seely is survived by numerous friends, family members, and her special cat, Corrie.
    Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • And of course, the happy hours, special events and opening night party contribute to creating a lively atmosphere that everyone looks forward to.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • One unnamed feature on the intro sticks out though, complementing Tyler’s characteristic moxie with seasoned, head-of-state bravado.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 21 July 2025
  • As is characteristic of SummerFest, there will be some unexpected collaborations and surprises, including a dance-and-violin performance and a concert featuring an onstage chef.
    Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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