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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.

"It's very distinctive and no human eyes previously had seen this crater until today, really, when we were privileged enough to see it," Koch said during the question-and-answer session hosted by the Canadian Space Agency.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

For more than 25 years, under the name Harriet Tubman, Messrs. Ross, Gibbs and Lewis have crafted a gorgeous balance of bombast and repose, and a distinctive approach to trio interplay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Also known as Messor cephalotes, these ants are native to East Africa and known for their distinctive seed-gathering behaviour making them popular with ant collectors.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

She often noticed a distinctive smell inside the crowded huts.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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