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
Relevance
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
The present world order is characterized by liberalism, democracy, and capitalism, not because this is good, right, or better; but because the most powerful nation in the world since 1945 has been a liberal democratic capitalist country.
—
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Such dogs are characterized by serene, quiet demeanors and deep emotional bonds with their human companions.
—Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
The author argues this economic leverage represents the only meaningful way to hold the country accountable for what the author characterizes as federal overreach.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The autopsy characterized the cause of death as homicide by starvation and did not list the child’s medical condition as a contributing cause, WLUK reported.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Such dogs are characterized by serene, quiet demeanors and deep emotional bonds with their human companions.
—Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
The author argues this economic leverage represents the only meaningful way to hold the country accountable for what the author characterizes as federal overreach.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The autopsy characterized the cause of death as homicide by starvation and did not list the child’s medical condition as a contributing cause, WLUK reported.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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On these blocks, darkened by the presence of heavily armed federal agents, Minnesotans describe routine movements as calculated risks, unsure which block might erupt into confrontation.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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Israel seized control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, describing the move as part of its campaign against Hamas smuggling routes.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But critics argue the law does not distinguish between responsible editorial judgment and censorship.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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Creating a dedicated deck for intimate meals—including formal five-course dinners prepared by the boat’s Ecuadorian chef with an all-inclusive wine and spirits menu—was central to distinguishing Hermes’s offering.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Republicans portrayed the move as partisan and urged an appeal.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
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Erika Toda portrays Hosoki, while Sairi Ito plays Minori Uozumi, a writer tasked with ghostwriting Hosoki’s autobiography.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Freelancer's dogfighting represented a move away from the joystick revolution that had defined the space in the 90s, instead relying on a simplified flight model where the spacecraft followed the movement of the mouse.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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There’s other things behind it, but this is defining, right?—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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