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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 two brands couldn’t be more distinct, yet their collaboration is seamless. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The afterlife visions that Lucius experiences are as aesthetically distinct as the ones in the original film, but rendered in high-contrast black and white, setting them apart. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Their unique design and estate-sale vibe provide a distinct and appealing decorative element, perfect for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 The filing also details a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to fees and allowances paid to distributors for distinct services. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 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
  • Traffic camera footage showed another man, possibly the truck's seller, chasing after another man who fled in a slightly different direction.
    Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • When bedding together, does bed down facing different directions.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of different
Adjective
  • Today’s in-store experience will often include elaborate displays, holiday scents wafting through the air, and the unmistakable sound of Christmas carols.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Colonial-style home, listed by Marjorie Galen of Sotheby’s International Realty, is painted an unmistakable bright yellow hue—as expected by its name—as an homage to the original Yellow Barn.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The provision for credit losses rose to $1.7 million, up from $100 thousand in the same period the previous year, primarily due to increases in specific reserves and projected unemployment rates.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • This mount holds the physical controls and connectors specific to each earcup, including a power button and USB-C port on the left and a four-way mini-joystick on the right.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Love them or hate them, Apple’s peripherals have a distinctive visual appeal, and that’s especially true of the Magic Trackpad.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Along with their distinctive, large black eye patches, giant pandas have short limbs and round bodies.
    Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • This innovative offering allows organizations to deploy and manage applications across diverse infrastructures while maintaining a cloud-like experience.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • In the studio, Chong told Kane to let his imagination roam free and later asked his merchandisers and buyers to build a diverse range based on the designer’s creations.
    Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • Here’s How to Shop for the Right Strap-On By Malia Griggs Of these triggers, the most obvious is probably lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products that doesn’t sit well with certain people, like those who are lactose-intolerant.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 22 Nov. 2024
  • That's a substantial change that may not be immediately obvious.
    Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Rock icon Bon Jovi made an appearance to give Vives a special award recognizing him as the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Never mind the state’s policies (high gas taxes, special fuels mandate and a push to end fossil-fuels production) are the real causes of crushing gas prices.
    Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
Definition of special
Adjective
  • During the appearance, Biden made a characteristic effort at personal connection.
    Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024
  • He was reportedly discovered by an employee of Russia's foreign intelligence agency, the SVR, with injuries characteristic of a fall.
    Harriet Marsden, The Week UK, theweek, 22 Oct. 2024
Definition of characteristic

Thesaurus Entries Near distinct

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 29 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on distinct

Nglish: Translation of distinct for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of distinct for Arabic Speakers

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