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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

Examples 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 The system was also designed to preserve the states as distinct entities, reflecting the federal system. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Carlos Osorio | Reuters Trump pulling the plug on Ukraine funding immediately would be an extreme scenario, according to economists at Berenberg Bank, but is a distinct possibility from a politician known for his unpredictability. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 Tesfaye is accomplished at melding genres and creating distinct soundscapes, and the movie takes the title of his new album, which is the culmination of a trilogy of studio albums, the first of which were After Hours and Dawn FM. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 Couples can choose between a buffet-style setup or work with the culinary team to design a personalized menu tailored to their distinct tastes. Lopesan Costa Bavaro Contributor, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distinct 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
Adjective
  • Our values and interests are often very different from the modal Black American.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Both Plaza and Stella play Elliott at different ages but are able to meet when young Elliott (Stella) is on a shroom trip.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Today’s in-store experience will often include elaborate displays, holiday scents wafting through the air, and the unmistakable sound of Christmas carols.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Colonial-style home, listed by Marjorie Galen of Sotheby’s International Realty, is painted an unmistakable bright yellow hue—as expected by its name—as an homage to the original Yellow Barn.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The provision for credit losses rose to $1.7 million, up from $100 thousand in the same period the previous year, primarily due to increases in specific reserves and projected unemployment rates.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • This mount holds the physical controls and connectors specific to each earcup, including a power button and USB-C port on the left and a four-way mini-joystick on the right.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Love them or hate them, Apple’s peripherals have a distinctive visual appeal, and that’s especially true of the Magic Trackpad.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Along with their distinctive, large black eye patches, giant pandas have short limbs and round bodies.
    Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The cultural differences between the U.S. and South Korea, such as how diverse versus monoracial the societies are, respectively, could also impact what a 4B movement would look like among Americans.
    Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Harris campaign:Path to presidency comes down to winning Michigan, 'blue wall' states Michigan's 13th Congressional District is a socioeconomically diverse area where Black residents account for the largest voting bloc.
    Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But what was once hard to fathom is now an obvious reality.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
  • In a race supposedly too close to call, the surprise wasn't that Trump won, which was always an obvious possibility, but how quickly the results took shape — this was supposed to take days, remember.
    Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Never mind the state’s policies (high gas taxes, special fuels mandate and a push to end fossil-fuels production) are the real causes of crushing gas prices.
    Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Rock icon Bon Jovi made an appearance to give Vives a special award recognizing him as the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • He was reportedly discovered by an employee of Russia's foreign intelligence agency, the SVR, with injuries characteristic of a fall.
    Harriet Marsden, The Week UK, theweek, 22 Oct. 2024
  • The people wear regular clothes, including the women and girls, who were dressed in blue jeans or leggings, not the prairie dresses that are characteristic of the polygamist sect.
    Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near distinct

Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on distinct

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