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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

Examples of distinct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Method dressing has become a popular style choice for several high-profile stars during press tours, especially when promoting a film with a distinct theme. Julia Teti, WWD, 19 Aug. 2024 The past week’s data deluge left behind a few distinct impressions: Inflation is on the run, the labor market appears to be OK if no longer on fire, and the economy is not headed off a cliff despite the ever-lingering potential for a substantial slowdown. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2024 Robert Harding/Alamy Stock Photo Unsurprisingly, as throat singing gains momentum in the mainstream, cultural appropriation is also entering the conversation, with non-Inuk artists sampling this distinct sound on their tracks. Kate Nelson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024 Now, Park is continuing to pioneer in his own distinct way with 16 years in the music scene behind him. Jenna Wang, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distinct 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distinct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near distinct

Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on distinct

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