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

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

There are moments when some viewers might long for a little more detachment and aesthetic assessment, especially from the likes of photography editor Kathy Ryan of The New York Times Magazine, who is in a position to describe what’s so distinctive about Addario’s talent. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025

Still, Sabbath sounded amazing, the band’s distinctive vibe of limitless cosmic encumbrance, of Man squirming under the thumb of Fate, God, madness—the essential heavy-metal vision—somehow magnified by the venerable wobbliness of its playing. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025

At Ross’ request, engineer Jim Cooley mixed the choruses so that most of the parts create a pile of sound, leaving his voice and the drums as the most distinctive elements during that section. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025

This duality has given Bell a distinctive style, one that’s deeply technical and at the same time profoundly empathetic. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025