1
as in to describe
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterize
Supporters of the high-earner tax for public education have been quick to stress it’s been in place for more than a decade, characterizing any rollback of it as a tax cut for the wealthy.
—
Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
The artist, born in 1937 in Bradford, England, produced a singular body of work characterized by ultrasaturated colors and an innovative painterly perspective.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
But on the whole, the success of students in non-MPS schools isn’t much better than in MPS schools, and the wide gaps that characterize the problems in Milwaukee education apply across the education landscape.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 12 June 2026
Lilly’s career in Hollywood is characterized by making very limited and specific choices.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
The artist, born in 1937 in Bradford, England, produced a singular body of work characterized by ultrasaturated colors and an innovative painterly perspective.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
But on the whole, the success of students in non-MPS schools isn’t much better than in MPS schools, and the wide gaps that characterize the problems in Milwaukee education apply across the education landscape.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 12 June 2026
Lilly’s career in Hollywood is characterized by making very limited and specific choices.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
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The differing accounts underscore a significant gap between how the US and Iran are describing the next steps in negotiations.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Verb
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The Gemini new moon helps you to distinguish chemistry from compatibility.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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Shortly after qualifying, Gilbert spoke with CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede and argued that his experience leading Miami Gardens and serving on the Miami-Dade County Commission distinguishes him from the rest of the field.—
Jim DeFede,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Jones portrayed Jackson as a newcomer attempting to buy the governor’s office and highlighted his past donations to Trump critics.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
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The character is often portrayed by white actors in blackface.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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British artist David Hockney, considered one of the most influential and defining figures in contemporary art, whose paintings captured the world in brilliant color, has died aged 88, his publicist announced Friday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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For cities and counties, population growth is universally seen as a metric that defines success.—
Christopher Briem,
The Conversation,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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