distinctive

[dih-stingk-tiv] / dɪˈstɪŋk tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

different, unique

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cool extraordinary idiosyncratic offbeat original peculiar singular special weird

WEAK

characteristic diacritic diagnostic discrete distinguishing excellent far cry gnarly individual like night and day outstanding perfect poles apart proper separate single superior typical uncommon unreal wicked

Antonyms

STRONGEST

common commonplace normal ordinary regular usual

WEAK

resembling same similar standard

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After absorbing the X-rays, the ions emit their own distinctive X-ray radiation.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

These are the dishes that hold up in real kitchens and real routines—reliable, satisfying and just distinctive enough to feel worth repeating.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

A distinctive feature of this new alliance is that it unites two organisations with different agendas, said Jean-Herve Jezequel, the head of the Sahel project at the International Crisis Group.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

A young Michaels, with thick black curly hair and the same distinctive voice, broadcast from the track and touched on the interesting elements of Shoemaker’s presence.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

It thus systematically excludes from consideration the very feature which makes scientific arguments distinctive: their appeal to superior evidence.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing distinctive

The Giver

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Walk Two Moons

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The Breadwinner

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