distinctive
adjective
dis·tinc·tive
di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 
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
Synonyms
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
The region's diverse geology and dry climate contribute significantly to its wines’ distinctive characteristics.
—
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Tuxedo cats, like Milo, are not a specific breed but rather felines with a distinctive black-and-white coat pattern resembling formal wear.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The company goes on to say the infringing product depraves Levi’s its rights to use and control its trademark and maintain its reputation with consumers, licensees and collaborators and allows others to believe the distinctive features of the Tab trademark may be misappropriated for their use.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Jan. 2025
Photos show the dead thresher shark and its distinctive tail.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for distinctive 
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Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Tuxedo cats, like Milo, are not a specific breed but rather felines with a distinctive black-and-white coat pattern resembling formal wear.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The company goes on to say the infringing product depraves Levi’s its rights to use and control its trademark and maintain its reputation with consumers, licensees and collaborators and allows others to believe the distinctive features of the Tab trademark may be misappropriated for their use.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Jan. 2025
Photos show the dead thresher shark and its distinctive tail.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for distinctive
Dictionary Entries Near distinctive
Cite this Entry
“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinctive. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinctive
adjective
dis·tinc·tive
dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-tiv
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
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