Synonyms of distinctive

distinctive

adjective

di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 

1

as in different

being not of the same kind

she seems to alternate between two distinctive hairstyles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in distinct

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group

the distinctive odor of a barnyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• uncharacteristic
• untypical
• nontypical

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinctive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinctive are characteristic, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When could characteristic be used to replace distinctive?

The meanings of characteristic and distinctive largely overlap; however, characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When might individual be a better fit than distinctive?

The words individual and distinctive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When is it sensible to use peculiar instead of distinctive?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinctive, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of distinctive

Before the arrest, the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office released images of the suspect and a car that was believed to be associated with the case — a white four-door BMW sedan with a sunroof and distinctive dark rails, Downey said. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

Historically as well, France was distinctive for the pursuit of policies independent of Washington regarding nuclear weapons and other matters. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026

Nina Gold and Martin Ware build out a Vatican of schemes with the kind of distinctive faces and depth that Leonardo Da Vinci would put in a painting. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 2 Feb. 2026

After just over five minutes, Tyler closes his distinctive performance with a literal bang. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Feb. 2026