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Definitions

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.

These structures form when communities of microbes grow across sediment, leaving behind distinctive patterns.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

The chicken wing restaurant began with an idea in 2018, and with its distinctive branding, it quickly became a hit in the town.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Along with her distinctive voice, Robyn has great taste in collaborators.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

"One of Monaco's distinctive features is a kind of positive secularism, which recognises the legitimate autonomy of the spiritual and temporal spheres," Guillaume Paris, a senior clergyman in Monaco, told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

I unrolled the green ribbon and placed the gold disc in the palm of my hand, feeling its distinctive weight as I sent up a silent prayer of gratitude.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.