distinct

adjective

di-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce distinct (audio)
Definition of distinctnext
1
as in different
being not of the same kind two distinct approaches to the same problem

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2
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation a person with a distinct Scottish accent

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3
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort I left distinct instructions that my books were not to be touched

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4
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group one of the distinct traits of a preliterate society

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective distinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of distinct are apparent, clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of distinct?

Apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than distinct?

The synonyms clear and distinct are sometimes interchangeable, but clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would evident be a good substitute for distinct?

In some situations, the words evident and distinct are roughly equivalent. However, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When is it sensible to use manifest instead of distinct?

The words manifest and distinct can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of distinct?

The words obvious and distinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When could patent be used to replace distinct?

The meanings of patent and distinct largely overlap; however, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to distinct?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinct, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distinct The program is divided into two distinct parts spanning across 10 different learning modules. —Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 The show respects these two distinct American art forms. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025 But as an homage to the neighborhood, residents are also able to choose from two distinct color palettes—Bermondsey and Borough—that alternatively mirror light and dark colorways. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025 That resulted in an interchange — a more distinct weaving together of our voices. —Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinct
  1. different
  2. unmistakable
  3. specific
  4. distinctive
  5. diverse
  6. obvious
  7. special
  8. characteristic
Adjective
  • Vatican happenings were no different, as Romans put money down not only on conclave selections but cardinal appointments and papal activities as well.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • During the event, Brown revealed how his Mother's Day will be different this year.
    — Anika Ljung, People.com, 3 May 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • Indeed, her portraits are unmistakable: characterized by saturated backdrops, tactile surfaces, and a deep reverence for Nigerian studio photography traditions that elevate her sitters to mythic status.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 May 2025
  • There's no official announcement time during a conclave, but there is one unmistakable signal: white smoke.
    — Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • Passengers should consider paying extra for seat assignments on long flights, when traveling with companions, or if a specific seat type is essential for comfort.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Alternatively, if a seller has listed an item that matches consumers’ searches around specific holidays—Valentine’s Day, for instance—Enhance My Listing might temporarily change the product’s title to garner more search traffic.
    — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 9 May 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Bottled at 93 proof, Lucky 13 undergoes proofing with Widow Jane’s famous limestone water from Rosendale Mines, giving it a distinctive mineral complexity.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that ravages bone, leaving distinctive holes in its wake.
    — David Armstrong, ProPublica, 8 May 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • Answering these questions requires a diverse set of tools that were not yet invented when the site was first researched in the 1960s.
    — Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
  • While teams can double or triple up on each kit before a run, that’s not a good idea either; a diverse selection of loadouts affords more varied interactions that will benefit the group as a whole.
    — Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • But the ‘Harry Potter’ films, ‘Lord Of The Rings,’ ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Aviator’ and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • True to form, the Wiz system is way cheaper than the Philips Hue version without any obvious compromises (to my eye).
    — Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 3 May 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • They’ll be joined by the likes of Le Goy, Sony Pictures Television President Katherine Pope, International Production boss Wayne Garvie and several unannounced special guests.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 May 2025
  • The show featured a total of 82 looks that span across five concentrations: knitwear, sportswear, intimate apparel, special occasion, and children’s wear, all inspired by personal themes, anecdotes, and stories ranging from sustainability, technology, and cultural heritage to shape their looks.
    — Essence, Essence, 9 May 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • Still, diving is so integral to Jeju’s population that the shortening of words characteristic of the Jeju language is attributed to the need for divers to communicate quickly, according to the new study.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
  • This is characteristic of the species, researchers said.
    — Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025
Definition of characteristic

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distills
distinct
distinction
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Cite this Entry

“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinct. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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