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
• identifiable
• idiosyncratic
• 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

One of these, Tycho crater, will make for an excellent telescope target at this time, as a lip of the 53-mile-wide (85 km) distinctive central impact peak casts strong shadows over the interior of the depression. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 May 2025

The creatures stood on four legs, and boasted huge heads adorned with three horns, a distinctive bony frill and a prominent nose bump. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

The distinctive body is well-suited for both right- and left-handed users, but the hyper-glossy exterior is prone to smudging (though it can be easily wiped away with a microfiber cloth). —PC Magazine, 19 May 2025

What Is 'Real Housewives Of Rhode Island'? While the franchise is best known for the drama, luxury and personal narratives that unfold in cities like Beverly Hills and Atlanta, Bravo hopes that The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will offer a distinctive Northeastern flavor. —Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025