DISTINCTIVE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'distinctive' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinctive are characteristic , individual , and peculiar . While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy. // a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

Q: When could 'characteristic' be used to replace 'distinctive'?

The meanings of characteristic and distinctive largely overlap; however, characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class. // responded with her characteristic wit

Q: When might 'individual' be a better fit than 'distinctive'?

The words individual and distinctive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class. // a highly individual writing style

Q: When is it sensible to use 'peculiar' instead of 'distinctive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinctive , peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness. // an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

distinctive

adjective

di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv

Definition of distinctive next

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

as in distinct

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group the distinctive odor of a barnyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinctive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinctive are characteristic, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When could characteristic be used to replace distinctive?

The meanings of characteristic and distinctive largely overlap; however, characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When might individual be a better fit than distinctive?

The words individual and distinctive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When is it sensible to use peculiar instead of distinctive?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinctive, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of distinctive Recent years have seen countless cooks putting their own distinctive spins on traditional Southern ‘cue by fusing it with the flavors of other culinary genres. —

Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025 The production’s distinctive Kazego Puppetry Ensemble is led by Matthew Leonhart as Principal Puppeteer. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025 The region's diverse geology and dry climate contribute significantly to its wines’ distinctive characteristics. —

Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Tuxedo cats, like Milo, are not a specific breed but rather felines with a distinctive black-and-white coat pattern resembling formal wear. —

Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for distinctive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinctive

Adjective

The handful of researchers and companies leading the push to make IVM more mainstream are taking different approaches.

— Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
His true goal of creating and refining Egypt’s sound in hip-hop has not changed, even if the circumstances around him and his lyrical themes have taken a different approach.

— Danny Hajjar, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025