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
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
For Glomski, that distinctiveness is the point.
—Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
In the immediate future, Murray said, the Post would concentrate on areas that demonstrate authority, distinctiveness and impact, and resonate with readers, including politics, national affairs and security.
—David Bauder, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
As to the non-final action, one problem for the A’s is that the marks fail to show enough distinctiveness.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Judean culture had been transformed by Greek influence for centuries, but Antiochus attempted to quash Judean religious distinctiveness altogether.
—Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
Corey Lee’s innovative vision redefined the concept of ‘Asian’ food, moving beyond a broad category to celebrate and respect the distinctiveness of specific regional cuisines, in this case, Korean.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025
That precise sensation—a vague disquietude, a vexation—is central to the band’s distinctiveness.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
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
For Glomski, that distinctiveness is the point.
—Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
In the immediate future, Murray said, the Post would concentrate on areas that demonstrate authority, distinctiveness and impact, and resonate with readers, including politics, national affairs and security.
—David Bauder, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
As to the non-final action, one problem for the A’s is that the marks fail to show enough distinctiveness.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Judean culture had been transformed by Greek influence for centuries, but Antiochus attempted to quash Judean religious distinctiveness altogether.
—Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
Corey Lee’s innovative vision redefined the concept of ‘Asian’ food, moving beyond a broad category to celebrate and respect the distinctiveness of specific regional cuisines, in this case, Korean.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025
That precise sensation—a vague disquietude, a vexation—is central to the band’s distinctiveness.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
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
-
With the rallies over, the differences in ideology could complicate efforts to deliver their votes.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The different signs in the crowd signaled the difference in ages of the attendees.—
Alex Gladden,
Oklahoman,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With that notable diversity, Spanish fiction is no longer framed internationally through one prevailing model, whether glossy thrillers, YA drama or the long tail of earlier crossover hits.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Her stint in 2025 was promoted as a milestone to correct the franchise’s historic diversity shortfalls, but her romantic journey has been labeled by many members of the Bachelor Nation fan base as a low point.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The new Washington law restricts facial coverings for all federal, state and local law enforcement officers -- a key distinction intended to avoid claims of discrimination against federal officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
-
This distinction is rather simple.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That’s in contrast to an earlier trend from 2019 to 2023, when rates dropped only among white people and rose sharply among Black and Indigenous Americans.—
Kaitlin Coward,
Boston Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
In contrast, with a GLP-1, people might be more inclined to take them because of their burnished reputation.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distinctiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctiveness. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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