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 But Democrats and voting rights advocates characterized the seizure as a political stunt. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 For many people, caring for aging parents or relatives has become a second occupation, characterized by unpredictable shifts, costs and stress. — Scott Parrish, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Haitian immigration to the Dominican Republic is often characterized as an ongoing peaceful invasion – a nationalistic narrative that has been perpetuated by Dominican politicians for over 50 years. — Kendall Medford, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026 There are many different varieties of ramen across Japan, and Sano ramen is characterized by its blend of soy sauce, pork, and chicken. — Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize

Verb

Said, wearing blue jeans and a sweater, remained expressionless for most of the hourlong hearing in The Hague as presiding Judge Miatta Maria Samba described the inhumane conditions detainees endured at the prison in the capital, Bangui.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
The early amphibian is described in a study published today in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, and is an example of how some of the classic traits seen in today’s living frogs and salamanders evolved.

— Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of describe

Verb

One of London’s historic Arts & Crafts houses has just been turned into six apartments—one of which is distinguished by a chic, designer interior.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
Mallory Pullman, managing director at Mississippi Poison Control, said she’s seen an increase in such concentrated products in recent years, and consumers may not be able to distinguish them from natural kratom.

— Sudhin Thanawala, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguish

Verb

The dispute over the route became one of the defining flash points of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

— Amanda Ferguson Reuters, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
The Libra Sun opposes Neptune across your private and daily-life zones, making vague stress, unfinished business, or hidden responsibilities harder to define.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of define

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Style

“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of characterize

verb

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