Definition of characterizenext
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

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 By quantifying and characterizing the deceased relative population, our research reveals just how many people no longer appear in the census yet remain an integral part of our social world. — Ashton Verdery, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026 Marshall responded by characterizing the practice as commonplace among area hospitals. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Davis characterized the post as an endorsement of professional consequences for lawyers based on their political activity. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 The statement was characterized in the press alternately as a denouncement, a repudiation and a disavowal. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
  • Cargo aircraft for remote routes Aviern’s website describes an aircraft called the A600, designed to carry 600 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In a report submitted to the city by FSMY Architects + Planners, the design firm describes the tower as creating a distinctive silhouette within the downtown skyline.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Defense challenges claims of disruption Sabatini sought to undermine the university’s account by distinguishing between students feeling frightened and actual interruptions to academic activities.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Yet the reporting does not clearly distinguish between regional conditions that increase risk and findings establishing why these buildings developed mold.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Beckman portrayed the first lady's work on the ceasefire as an extension of her efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families after they were separated by Russia's war against Ukraine.
    — BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Pundits continue to portray the Taiwan Strait as the world’s most dangerous flashpoint; the summit’s agenda suggested otherwise.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The film earned its credited screenwriter career-defining Academy Award and BAFTA nominations, and the Writers Guild Award for Original Screenplay.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The body was given more brawn, even to the point of beginning to resemble an America muscle car, giving the vehicle a presence that would define it for generations to come.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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