1
as in different
being not of the same kind
she seems to alternate between two distinctive hairstyles
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distinct
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the distinctive odor of a barnyard
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distinctive
Most suits and separates sold at department stores today at least attempt to be fashionable or distinctive.
—
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Shapiro and her colleagues started by trying to identify the genes responsible for making mammoths distinctive.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
Sullivan Fortner has developed an expansive and distinctive approach to jazz that combines his New Orleans heritage with the hard bop sounds of New York.
—Jake Richardson, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Each of this year’s early standout series are distinctive in their form, tone, and appeal, and collectively showcase the breadth and depth of the best that television has to offer.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Shapiro and her colleagues started by trying to identify the genes responsible for making mammoths distinctive.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
Sullivan Fortner has developed an expansive and distinctive approach to jazz that combines his New Orleans heritage with the hard bop sounds of New York.
—Jake Richardson, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Each of this year’s early standout series are distinctive in their form, tone, and appeal, and collectively showcase the breadth and depth of the best that television has to offer.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive
Adjective
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What if Piper emerges from the meditation center with entirely different values.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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But that was an almost entirely different team, except for reserve guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Taste a sampling of their distinct bottlings (the Pét-Nat is a personal favorite) or sign up for one of Johan Vineyard's calendar events, like Lambapalooza (May 10)—a kid-friendly program with farm manager, Nathan Wood that weaves together wine and the estate's resident baby sheep.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2025
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The choice of invisibility serves as a method of expression that is distilled from my unique experiences and distinct perspective on the world.—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Raising capital is more difficult for diverse entrepreneurs.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
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In South Africa’s Cape Town, at No. 4, locals love the coastal city’s diverse food offerings, particularly the seafood.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Those characteristic Starfleet nacelles are kept well away from the ship to protect the crew from an unwanted warping.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
14 Mar. 2025
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The cell’s attempt to repair this damage can result in a characteristic pattern of mutations – such as the signature being sought here – which serves as a molecular record indicating past haloalkane exposure.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The average cost of full coverage in the U.S. is now $2,638 per year, meaning the typical household spends 3.39% of its income on insurance for just one car.—
Ben Kesslen,
Quartz,
15 Mar. 2025
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Hamilton is not the first driver to attempt to fulfill a childhood dream by ending his racing career in typical midlife crisis style — in his 40s with a brand new Ferrari and a second family.—
Olivia Hicks,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinctive. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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