1
as in different
being not of the same kind
two distinct approaches to the same problem
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2
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
a person with a distinct Scottish accent
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3
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort
I left distinct instructions that my books were not to be touched
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4
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
one of the distinct traits of a preliterate society
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as in distinctiveness
the quality or state of being different
the distinctness of Jane Austen's writing makes it easy to recognize on a test
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinct
Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
Another is that consciousness in other species might take distinct forms that would be unrecognizable to humans.
—Mariana Lenharo & Nature Magazine, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2025
However, recent studies have shown genetic differences between the snakes found there and the ones identified in Mizoram, meaning geographical separation has led to distinct lineages, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025
That said, there does appear to be two fairly distinct levels of candidacy: Democrats with genuine shots at winning versus those who face an uphill struggle to be taken seriously.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinct
Adjective
The entrepreneur’s confidence is based, in part, on the belief that downtown’s west Broadway corridor is distinct from the B Street corridor.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
Another is that consciousness in other species might take distinct forms that would be unrecognizable to humans.
—Mariana Lenharo & Nature Magazine, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2025
However, recent studies have shown genetic differences between the snakes found there and the ones identified in Mizoram, meaning geographical separation has led to distinct lineages, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025
That said, there does appear to be two fairly distinct levels of candidacy: Democrats with genuine shots at winning versus those who face an uphill struggle to be taken seriously.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
Adjective
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Bestowing a different kind of moving stillness from his recent works, with sequences that convey a radiant atmosphere and buzzing natural life, Back Home draws attention to the brilliance all around, a homecoming of sorts after a string of films about a Walker in exile.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Aug. 2025
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Reese Witherspoon never fails to inspire my wardrobe, and her fall-worthy outfit is no different.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This feels worth acknowledging because almost every home with them, no matter how expensive the litter box, shares that unmistakable aroma.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Aug. 2025
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Leaders need team members who reduce leadership’s cognitive load by making their worth unmistakable and their potential clear. - Aurelien Mangano, DevelUpLeaders 13.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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However, there have been some signs of recovery, with a focus on specific sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals.—
Ritika Gupta,
CNBC,
13 Aug. 2025
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What isn’t typical is that the city isn’t being specific about why Leung is being let go.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The robber was seen in the surveillance footage wearing distinctive blue and white high-top shoes, the affidavit states.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Aug. 2025
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The use of these distinctive ingredients has helped make Delfin one of just a handful of expedition lines that are part of Relais & Châteaux, a hospitality collective known for culinary prowess.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That includes examining how digital agents interact with diverse teams, supporting inclusion efforts and avoiding bias amplification through unchecked machine learning.—
Dr. Timothy J. Giardino,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Your commitment to innovation is clear from the stock photos of a diverse group of people deeply engaged in what appears to be a breakthrough moment involving a laptop and some very enthusiastic pointing.—
Greg Mania,
New Yorker,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Mountains are always there, but another form of turbulence can seemingly appear from nowhere, with no obvious visual cues to warn pilots.—
Renée Rigdon,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
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Nowhere is that more obvious or more urgent than in education.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The latest episode comes out at 6 p.m. Wednesday and includes special guest Taylor Swift, the superstar singer who is dating Travis Kelce.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
13 Aug. 2025
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Governors of both states would need to call special legislative sessions to have the legislature redraw the maps.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In early-stage disease with the characteristic rash, doctors often begin treatment immediately without waiting for test results, as early treatment is most effective.—
Matthew Binnicker,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Because chemicals absorb and emit light at characteristic wavelengths, when light from a parent star passes through a planet's atmosphere, the molecules in that atmosphere leave their telltale fingerprints in the spectrum of starlight.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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