Synonyms of distinct

distinct

adjective

di-ˈstiŋ(k)t 

1

as in different

being not of the same kind

two distinct approaches to the same problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• different
• distinctive
• diverse
• distinguishable
• other
• varied
• dissimilar
• disparate
• unlike
• differentiable
• distant
• several
• various
• divergent
• nonidentical
• unalike
• mixed
• miscellaneous
• variant
• sundry
• alternative
• individual
• discriminable
• alternate
• particular
• single
• unequal
• disproportionate
• peculiar
• divers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• same
• identical
• parallel
• like
• indistinguishable
• kindred
• equal
• kin
• alike
• equivalent
• related
• comparable
• analogous
• tantamount
• homogeneous
• selfsame
• uniform
• homologous
• akin
• homogenous
• homological

2

as in unmistakable

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation

a person with a distinct Scottish accent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unmistakable
• obvious
• apparent
• evident
• clear
• straightforward
• broad
• visible
• manifest
• unambiguous
• clear-cut
• lucid
• unequivocal
• simple
• luminous
• transparent
• decided
• ringing
• palpable
• plain
• noticeable
• crystal clear
• perspicuous
• bright-line
• bald
• patent
• tangible
• comprehensible
• pellucid
• unambivalent
• intelligible
• explicit
• recognizable
• open-and-shut
• nonambiguous
• barefaced
• luculent
• understandable
• appreciable
• discernible
• cognizable
• bald-faced
• discernable
• perceptible
• observable
• knowable
• uncomplicated
• sensible
• overt
• digestible
• tidy
• clean-cut
• undisguised
• graspable
• trenchant
• self-evident
• comprehendible
• fathomable
• well-defined
• self-explanatory
• black-and-white
• legible
• readable
• cognoscible
• decipherable
• clean
• fair

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ambiguous
• indistinct
• mysterious
• obscure
• dark
• unclear
• enigmatic
• cryptic
• equivocal
• clouded
• incomprehensible
• unintelligible
• unknowable
• unfathomable
• subtle
• indecipherable
• imperceptible
• enigmatical
• unapparent
• vague
• gray
• nonobvious
• inappreciable
• indeterminate
• grey
• indefinite
• impalpable
• nebulous
• unclarified
• obfuscated
• insensible
• hazy
• indiscernible
• misty
• imprecise
• slippery
• sketchy
• murky
• cloudy
• noncommittal
• illegible
• gauzy
• unreadable
• undecipherable

3

as in specific

of a particular or exact sort

I left distinct instructions that my books were not to be touched

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specific
• special
• precise
• sole
• express
• peculiar
• distinctive
• concrete
• specialized
• only
• single
• set
• separate
• unique
• especial
• individual
• solitary
• limited
• exclusive
• restricted
• lone
• differentiated
• specified
• given

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonspecific
• general
• generic
• universal
• generalized
• nonexclusive

4

as in distinctive

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group

one of the distinct traits of a preliterate society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinctive
• characteristic
• distinguishing
• typical
• unmistakable
• peculiar
• individual
• identifying
• diagnostic
• symptomatic
• classic
• proper
• discriminating
• diagnostical
• identifiable
• idiosyncratic
• usual
• common
• generic
• specific
• general
• pronounced
• special
• particular
• normal
• regular
• paradigmatic
• archetypal
• especial
• model
• archetypical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• uncharacteristic
• untypical
• nontypical

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

Recent Examples of distinct

Each fiesta is deeply tied to its region or city, with every town celebrating its own distinct customs and activities. —Nina Aquino, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2025

His appointment is a strong statement by the Academy, as songwriters remain at a distinct financial disadvantage in the streaming economy. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025

The National Guard is a military branch distinct from others, in that its soldiers answer to state and federal governments, but the president has the power to activate a state's National Guard without cooperation from the governor. —Alana Wise, NPR, 21 Aug. 2025

Cutting this rate encourages economic activity in two distinct ways. —Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025