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.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1964, his distinctive painting style highlighted life with his swimming pool series of paintings.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Even tinned fish — one of my favorite budget-friendly pantry luxuries — delivers that distinctive briny quality without requiring a trip to a specialty seafood counter.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

But it’s not just the distinctive clothes that are uniting the people on these shows — it’s the fact that parenthood is just one aspect of these characters’ very full, very busy lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The contenders for best play are a distinctive and distinguished group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

There was no distinctive point about her on which he could fasten his attention, and his gaze glided from her pale brown hair to the stumpy outline of her feet beneath the cover.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Vocabulary lists containing distinctive

The Giver

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Walk Two Moons

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The Breadwinner

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!