distinct
adjective
dis·tinct
di-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
1
: distinguishable to the eye or mind as being discrete (see discrete sense 1) or not the same : separate
a distinct cultural group
teaching as distinct from research
2
: presenting a clear unmistakable impression
a neat distinct handwriting
3
archaic
: notably decorated
4
a
: notable
a distinct contribution to scholarship
b
: readily and unmistakably apprehended (see apprehend sense 2a)
a distinct possibility of snow
a distinct British accent
the distinct odor of sulfur
Examples of distinct in a Sentence
There are three distinct categories.
Each herb has its own distinct flavor.
The phrase has three distinct meanings.
There was the distinct smell of something burning.
The outline became less and less distinct as the light faded.
We had the distinct impression that they were lying.
Recent Examples on the Web
Leaders must align their efforts but never relinquish their distinct accountabilities.
—
Shivali Kukreja, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Epic Universe, the $7 billion attraction from Comcast Corp.’s Universal Destinations & Experiences division, offers five distinct lands and opens to the public on May 22.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Harvard University’s endowment, worth $53.2 billion at the end of its 2024 fiscal year, for example, consists of roughly 14,600 distinct funds.
—Todd L. Ely, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
Many within the wrestling community and her devoted fanbase argue that her achievements, including her groundbreaking reigns as both the Women's and Intercontinental Champion, warrant a separate and distinct honor.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinct
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Shivali Kukreja, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Epic Universe, the $7 billion attraction from Comcast Corp.’s Universal Destinations & Experiences division, offers five distinct lands and opens to the public on May 22.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Harvard University’s endowment, worth $53.2 billion at the end of its 2024 fiscal year, for example, consists of roughly 14,600 distinct funds.
—Todd L. Ely, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
Many within the wrestling community and her devoted fanbase argue that her achievements, including her groundbreaking reigns as both the Women's and Intercontinental Champion, warrant a separate and distinct honor.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinct
Cite this Entry
“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinct. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinct
adjective
dis·tinct
dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t
1
: real and different from each other
five distinct varieties
pears as distinct from apples
2
: clearly seen, heard, or understood : plain, unmistakable
speaks with a distinct accent
a distinct possibility
3
: notable
made a distinct contribution to science
distinctly
adverb
distinctness
noun
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