distinctive

adjective

dis·​tinc·​tive di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv How to pronounce distinctive (audio)
1
a
: marking as separate or different : serving to distinguish
the distinctive flight of the crane
b
: having or giving an uncommon and appealing quality : having or giving style or distinction
a distinctive table setting
a writer with a distinctive prose style
2
linguistics : capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance
distinctively adverb
distinctiveness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for distinctive

characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity.

characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

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

distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

Examples of distinctive in a Sentence

He had a very distinctive walk. This wine has a more distinctive flavor than that one. The store sells only the most distinctive chocolates.
Recent Examples on the Web Whether playing unison lines, trading off, or weaving intricate melodic tapestries, Goldings and Bernstein bring a distinctive sense of lyricism to their work. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 Created about 2,000 years ago, the distinctive panels feature both engravings and paintings, some of which appear to be linked by a common belief system. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024 Many users made jokes about Raut's distinctive play style, which appeared to include an aggressive use of the buzzer. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024 Through nuanced facial expressions that reflect his unwavering focus, intensifying in tandem with the song’s melody, V confidently showcases his magnetic presence as a solo artist with his distinctive sound. Patrick Frater, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024 The symptoms are very distinctive: the stems of the plants will turn black, there will be black spots on the leaves, and the most distinctive symptom is the plant will defoliate in sections. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2024 That isn’t even the most distinctive thing about it. Paul Liberatore, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2024 Here, a summary of all the tracks, with their distinctive features and memorable moments. Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 Now, though, there are hints that this form of violence can cause a distinctive pattern of brain damage, one that is at least as disabling as the damage that occurs on a football field or a battlefield. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distinctive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of distinctive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near distinctive

Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinctive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

distinctive

adjective
dis·​tinc·​tive dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-tiv How to pronounce distinctive (audio)
1
: clearly marking a person or a thing as different from others
a distinctive walk
2
: having or giving a special look or way
distinctive clothes
distinctively adverb
distinctiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on distinctive

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