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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 The timber and the distinct design spoke of finality. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025 This high-quality tea has a distinct flavor and is rich in antioxidants and amino acids linked with numerous health benefits, like preventing cancer and improving cognitive function.1 Coffee is also full of antioxidants. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 15 May 2025 Among them is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, whose return to this tournament carries a distinct and unforgettable edge, thanks to his shocking arrest last year. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Joy Division is unique and distinct in their style and sound to be framed as a specific influence on many other artists and songwriters. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
Adjective
  • The exact genetic fix will be different for each person, but the approach is very repeatable, said Marks, who has since left the FDA.
    Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Theme park Silver Dollar City is consistently rated as one of the top amusement parks in the country by USA Today, and 2025’s rankings are no different.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond the physical abuse, Cassie endured a steady drumbeat of insidious threats that sent an unmistakable message: the violence could escalate at any moment.
    Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • The unmistakable message: in Welch’s House of Representatives, Democratic moderates who think for themselves and question their own party’s orthodoxies are unwelcome.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Many of the criticisms were based on specific designs.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
  • The organization has demanded that the Channel 4 board of directors publish specific proposals to substantiate claims that indies will ultimately benefit from this restructuring.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Now, Robbins is using his whip-smart humor and distinctive social media persona to address a very real problem: the diaper crisis.
    Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
  • Maldito’s distinctive take on femininity is applied to the boots, with a wavy bow adorning the shaft.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The important thing to note here is the capability for coordinated action across diverse departments, including functions traditionally handled by separate back-office systems such as fulfillment, finance or IT.
    Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • While teams can double or triple up on each kit before a run, that’s not a good idea either; a diverse selection of loadouts affords more varied interactions that will benefit the group as a whole.
    Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The lesson is obvious for investors: always consider control systems.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Upon seeing a photo of him, she was struck by their obvious physical resemblance.
    Carita Rizzo, People.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Monday is when scheduled events at the cemetery include a concert by the United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from special guests.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • So when most kids were enrolling in third grade, Alisa was enrolled in community college, as a special student, in spring 2023.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Still, diving is so integral to Jeju’s population that the shortening of words characteristic of the Jeju language is attributed to the need for divers to communicate quickly, according to the new study.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
  • This is characteristic of the species, researchers said.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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