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

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 distinctive The barracas have long added colorful flair to the coastline, with creative advertisements and distinctive flags. Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 6 July 2025 With roots in Benin through her Nigerian mother and Beninese father, Kidjo's impact transcends her celebrated music and distinctive Mama Africa persona. Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 The dress, a cotton poplin A-line shirt dress, featured a sharp collar, button-down front, and a distinctive grosgrain tab at the waist adorned with Thom Browne’s signature red, white and blue stripe — a quiet tribute to the holiday’s colors. Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 5 July 2025 The long white dress with a distinctive cutout is a vintage Tom Ford-era Gucci gown from the Fall 1996 collection. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
  • While it’s sometimes compared to Pilates, the two methods are very different.
    Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 1 July 2025
  • The reality of franchising can be - and in the vast majority of cases, is - very different indeed.
    Fiona Simpson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Linkin Park manages to push three distinct projects north on the same chart at the same time, as consumption of the Grammy-winning act’s catalog continues to grow.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • His diverse family was the main motivation for applying to medical school.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Launched in 1987, Street Fighter is a series of fighting games revolving around intense one-on-one battles between a diverse cast of martial artists, organized by M. Bison as a global fighting tournament.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • At present, Greenland’s population is expected to fall below 50,000 by 2050, mostly due to outward migration and the low birth rates characteristic of most Western countries.
    Morten Høi Jensen, The Dial, 19 June 2025
  • The capsule continues to foreground the use of regionally characteristic materials such as jade, cinnabar, porcelain, and Asian cultural symbols like 玄武 (the Black Tortoise) and 青龙 (the Azure Dragon).
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Though on the surface the blazing, barking vocals and triple-time speed of the track are seemingly at odds with the Foos’ typical mix of pop hooks and radio-friendly rock, the cover makes perfect sense given Grohl’s punk rock pedigree.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • Temperatures will be around 87 degrees, which is typical for this time of year in the metro.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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