Thesaurus results for CHARACTERIZE

characterize

verb

ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz

Definition of characterize

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

Relevance

as in to distinguish

to be an important feature of an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 characterize Some of the women characterized Blanche as insensitive about the situation. — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Lou Reed modeled the sort of petulant sing-talking that characterizes her verses. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Pressed by reporters as to whether Israel has determined there is anyone worth negotiating with in Iran, a senior Israeli official offered only one name — Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi — and characterized him as a realist, but not a moderate. — Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the weakening of nerve cells, which become damaged and die, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize

Verb

Swangy describes foods that blend sweet, spicy and tangy flavors.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
The earliest cases dated to April and occurred in evaluation environments that lacked what the company described as standard safeguards.

— Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026

Definition of describe

Verb

In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
If the tax result is largely the same whether Buffett gives now or later, what actually distinguishes one billionaire’s giving from another’s?

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Definition of distinguish

Verb

Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn will both portray Marilyn Monroe in a new short film, Flesh Impact, which released its first photos.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
Elsewhere, Washington is portrayed astride a horse or atop a column; shirtless, in classical garb, or, more commonly, in a long coat and tricorn.

— Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 July 2026

Definition of portray

Verb

Unlike ancient Roman baths that relied on standing pools, Ottoman hammam architecture is defined by fresh, continuous flowing water across heated stone slabs (göbek taşı).

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
This season, though, will be defined by the head coach’s offseason evaluation of, well, himself.

— Sam McDowell July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026