as in distinctness
the quality or state of being different
the pronounced distinctiveness of his style of playing the violin
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Recent Examples of distinctiveness
The melting pot implied that citizens gradually shed the distinctiveness of their traditions in order to become fully American.
—
Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
The Pulitzer board encourages its juries to engage in both robust debate and its own inquiries into the distinctiveness of all entries.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
If this is the true face of the AI industry—a technological triumphalism that sees human thought as an inefficiency to overcome and human distinctiveness as a myth to debunk—the differences between the Church and Silicon Valley may prove irreconcilable.
—Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
Providing more distinctiveness is Neville’s tagging along for the weekly dinner with the host (Edebiri in this case), Michaels and select cast members, which takes place early in the schedule and at the same Italian restaurant every week.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Doors opened; doors narrowed again when Jewish distinctiveness reasserted itself, whether through religious observance, Zionism, or simple refusal to disappear.
—Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Humor about the pickle often stems from its distinctiveness—its tangy, assertive flavor and odd appearance lend themselves to exaggerated, whimsical depictions.
—Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
Optimal distinctiveness essentially says that people want to belong to a group and to still be unique in some way at the same time.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
This distinctiveness enables theatergoers to engage more fully with a narrative that is centered on living and indulging in the human experience rather than simply acting as passive observers.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
The Pulitzer board encourages its juries to engage in both robust debate and its own inquiries into the distinctiveness of all entries.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
If this is the true face of the AI industry—a technological triumphalism that sees human thought as an inefficiency to overcome and human distinctiveness as a myth to debunk—the differences between the Church and Silicon Valley may prove irreconcilable.
—Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
Providing more distinctiveness is Neville’s tagging along for the weekly dinner with the host (Edebiri in this case), Michaels and select cast members, which takes place early in the schedule and at the same Italian restaurant every week.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Doors opened; doors narrowed again when Jewish distinctiveness reasserted itself, whether through religious observance, Zionism, or simple refusal to disappear.
—Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Humor about the pickle often stems from its distinctiveness—its tangy, assertive flavor and odd appearance lend themselves to exaggerated, whimsical depictions.
—Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
Optimal distinctiveness essentially says that people want to belong to a group and to still be unique in some way at the same time.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
This distinctiveness enables theatergoers to engage more fully with a narrative that is centered on living and indulging in the human experience rather than simply acting as passive observers.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctiveness
Noun
-
How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?—
Christian Wiman,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
-
However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.—
Ryan Gaur,
Rolling Stone,
19 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The difference is Giannis could be entering the final year of his contract.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
The obsession with a hundred has something to do with our attraction to round numbers, but, at that speed, every mile per hour does make a difference.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The task force has worked to identify a replacement name aligned with the college’s current priorities, including increasing diversity and choosing someone with direct ties to the institution.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
-
Generational diversity can absolutely be an asset.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
This heroically eccentric diner draws no distinction between vegetarianism and hedonism.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
The settlement is also intended to maintain a credible distinction between college and pro sports.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The throw-on-and-go silhouette feels effortlessly polished, while contrast trim adds a subtle, elevated touch.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
-
By contrast, The Pig luxuriates in acres of fresh air, wrapped by lushly landscaped gardens.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distinctiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctiveness. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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