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distinct

/dɪsˈtɪŋkt/adjective

Easy to see, hear, or notice clearly; also, clearly different from something else.

Example sentences

  • “There was a distinct smell of coffee coming from the kitchen.”
  • “The twins have very distinct personalities despite looking alike.”

Do not confuse with 'distinctive', which means characteristic of one thing in particular. A smell can be distinct, meaning clear, without being distinctive, meaning identifying.

Featured as word of the day on March 10, 2026.

Synonyms for distinct

  • clear
  • noticeable
  • definite
  • separate

Antonyms

  • vague
  • indistinct

Often confused with distinct

distinct vs distinctive

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words