distinctive
adjective
dis·tinc·tive
di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 
1
a
: marking as separate or different : serving to distinguish
the distinctive flight of the crane
b
: having or giving an uncommon and appealing quality : having or giving style or distinction
a distinctive table setting
a writer with a distinctive prose style
2
linguistics
: capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance
distinctively
adverb
distinctiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of distinctive in a Sentence
He had a very distinctive walk.
This wine has a more distinctive flavor than that one.
The store sells only the most distinctive chocolates.
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet the bottom line for reboots is whether the new show brings anything fresh or distinctive to the material, while providing enough of a relationship to the source, beyond mere nostalgia, to justify the process.
—
Brian Lowry, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
Chang and his company were denounced for trying to stifle competition with a trademark that many viewed as not distinctive enough to earn legal protection.
—Emily Heil, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024
Even a piece as distinctive as the SS24 rivet wine box bag becomes a different thing entirely when worn by different personalities — similar to how no one perfume smells the same on two different people.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Photo : Bulgari Octo Roma Chronograph Bulgari first introduced the Octo Roma collection back in 2012, and the collection was marked by its distinctive octagonal shape.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
The pop-rock track at times evokes the distinctive vintage sound of ’70s rock classics, driven by electric guitar, with vocals wrapped in reverb effects and captivating melodies.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024
The owner opted for a distinctive two-tone paint job, with the hull, curves, and arches finished in Whisper Gray and the windbreakers decked out in dark gray.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
The distinctive bills were presented as payment at Jonah’s Fish & Grits.
—Matt Stevens, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024
The latter is a little more distinctive: Beyoncé adds new lyrics to the original, transforming it into the kind of fiery rebuke that would fit right in on Lemonade.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2024
Brian Lowry, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
Chang and his company were denounced for trying to stifle competition with a trademark that many viewed as not distinctive enough to earn legal protection.
—Emily Heil, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024
Even a piece as distinctive as the SS24 rivet wine box bag becomes a different thing entirely when worn by different personalities — similar to how no one perfume smells the same on two different people.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Photo : Bulgari Octo Roma Chronograph Bulgari first introduced the Octo Roma collection back in 2012, and the collection was marked by its distinctive octagonal shape.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
The pop-rock track at times evokes the distinctive vintage sound of ’70s rock classics, driven by electric guitar, with vocals wrapped in reverb effects and captivating melodies.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024
The owner opted for a distinctive two-tone paint job, with the hull, curves, and arches finished in Whisper Gray and the windbreakers decked out in dark gray.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
The distinctive bills were presented as payment at Jonah’s Fish & Grits.
—Matt Stevens, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024
The latter is a little more distinctive: Beyoncé adds new lyrics to the original, transforming it into the kind of fiery rebuke that would fit right in on Lemonade.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distinctive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near distinctive
Cite this Entry
“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinctive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
distinctive
adjective
dis·tinc·tive
dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-tiv
1
: clearly marking a person or a thing as different from others
a distinctive walk
2
: having or giving a special look or way
distinctive clothes
distinctively
adverb
distinctiveness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on distinctive
Nglish: Translation of distinctive for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of distinctive for Arabic Speakers
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