Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinctive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinctive are characteristic, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When could characteristic be used to replace distinctive?

The meanings of characteristic and distinctive largely overlap; however, characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When might individual be a better fit than distinctive?

The words individual and distinctive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When is it sensible to use peculiar instead of distinctive?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinctive, 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

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 distinctive Its exterior is finished in wood which has been treated using the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban method of burning the wood to protect and preserve it against insects and weather, lending it a distinctive charred appearance. New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025 There are of course others who helped turn the idea of National Public Radio into a distinctive sound. NPR, 18 Oct. 2025 Rails and optics are in modern versions to add modularity, while the rifle’s distinctive appearance has garnered fame through media and games. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 Each sip reflects Lazio’s volcanic soil, adding distinctive minerality and depth. Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
  • This Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is a T+L favorite overall pick due to its four different plug types that are compatible with over 200 sockets worldwide and its ability to charge up to six devices at once.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Both reflect and honor the evolving identity of the position, just in different ways.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This approach is distinct from other methods that require physically touching the object.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In America’s political duopoly, smaller parties often represent distinct voices and ideologies that neverthless have little chance in most contests above the local level.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Regions of diverse dinosaurs The new study paints a portrait of two very different dinosaur communities divided between the north and south regions of the continent.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Today, the boardrooms of the nation’s largest companies have never been more diverse.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While detecting the characteristic signature from these gravitational waves would be revolutionary, there’s no guarantee that’s possible.
    Big Think, Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Their flat sole, oval toe, and characteristic side stripes have won over seemingly everyone.
    Renata Joffre, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The structure of Pittsburgh’s tax, which involves applying a different rate to nonresidents, is distinguishable from many other such taxes, which typically apply the same rate to visiting players.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans at the 1,860-capacity venue left their typical symphony attire hanging in their closets.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Burbank added that a typical zone 2 session lasts about 30 minutes, but can extend to 120 minutes depending on your training goals.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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