distinct

adjective

di-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce distinct (audio)
Definition of distinctnext
1
as in different
being not of the same kind two distinct approaches to the same problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation a person with a distinct Scottish accent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort I left distinct instructions that my books were not to be touched

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group one of the distinct traits of a preliterate society

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinct are apparent, clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of distinct?

Apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than distinct?

The synonyms clear and distinct are sometimes interchangeable, but clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would evident be a good substitute for distinct?

In some situations, the words evident and distinct are roughly equivalent. However, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When is it sensible to use manifest instead of distinct?

The words manifest and distinct can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of distinct?

The words obvious and distinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When could patent be used to replace distinct?

The meanings of patent and distinct largely overlap; however, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to distinct?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinct, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distinct John McCann and Kevin Faulconer have some distinct political similarities. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025 Proud citizens of America must live in reality and speak the truth—for example, the truth that men and women are two distinct sexes. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 Indiana also legalized hemp in 2018 for industrial purposes, categorizing it as a legal agricultural product distinct from marijuana. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 While the divergence between the two is fair, its explanation lies elsewhere: Investor valuations and retail prices differ because they are driven by distinct fundamentals and considerations. —Thibault Adrien, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
  1. different
  2. unmistakable
  3. specific
  4. distinctive
  5. diverse
  6. obvious
  7. special
  8. characteristic
Adjective
  • Does this album feel different from other projects after achieving that sense of liberation?
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
  • Silver’s Dual Role as a Precious and Industrial Metal Silver’s story is a little different, but no less compelling.
    — Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.
    — Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.
    — Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • However, its availability is limited to specific areas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
    — Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Most items follow Amazon’s standard return policy, but always check the product page for specific return windows and conditions.
    — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 July 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • The response was immediate: many believed the artifact resembled the base of a Clovis point—a distinctive stone tool crafted by Paleoindian peoples more than 12,000 years ago.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
  • The Phoenix Financial Center, a distinctive office complex in central Phoenix, is slated for a major renovation.
    — Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • The menu offers a diverse selection, from classic pizzas and pastas to burgers, sandwiches, steaks, salmon, and fresh salads.
    — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
  • Explore vibrant art displays in Saugatuck The diverse local art scene includes galleries, exhibits, studios and public art installations.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The harmful consequences to the economy and food supply is obvious.
    — Billal Rahman Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Seventh seed Andreeva had special guests in the audience – none other than tennis legend and eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka.
    — Manasi Pathak, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Food trucks also are permitted at special events, like those held at downtown Festival Park, Mylott said.
    — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • That’s a characteristic Amorim associates with Heaven.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Measles symptoms Initial measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic rash that begins to develop a few days later.
    — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Definition of characteristic

Browse Nearby Words

distills
distinct
distinction
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on distinct

Nglish: Translation of distinct for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

12 Words Whose History Will Surprise You
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All