description

Synonym Chooser

How is the word description distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of description are character, kind, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might character be a better fit than description?

The meanings of character and description largely overlap; however, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could kind be used to replace description?

While the synonyms kind and description are close in meaning, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would nature be a good substitute for description?

The words nature and description can be used in similar contexts, but nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of description?

In some situations, the words sort and description are roughly equivalent. However, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of description?

The synonyms type and description are sometimes interchangeable, but type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 description The initiative focuses on publishing concise, high-quality species descriptions to shorten the gap between discovery and formal recognition drastically. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 Be sure to list any work or responsibilities that typically would not have been part of your job description. Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 Perozek already held that title, but after Lisa Thompson resigned as executive editor in July the job description of managing editor was rewritten to include duties that previously had been the executive editor's. Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025 How does Ishmael, in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, carry me through his pages-long descriptions of the weird gunk inside a sperm whale’s head? Vauhini Vara, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for description
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
Noun
  • More recently, women started going to college at higher rates than men, the gender pay gap started to close, women started having children later, LGTBQ rights made strides and body positivity pressed companies to diversify depictions of beautiful people.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Many criticized the show for its depiction of Muslims who reject their parents’ strict practice of Islam, breaking the rules they’ve been brought up with.
    Deena ElGenaidi, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His portraits poked a hole into the romantic mythology of the American West, telling instead a story of poverty and struggle.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
  • One of the most moving stories in the film is the portrait of a father and son bonding over their love of geek culture.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But in the eastern areas close to the front, movement of any kind is dangerous, and electricity and phone service are often disrupted.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The boutique will include handmade must haves, one-of-a-kind treasures and great gift ideas, as well as quilts for all ages, holiday items, children’s toys, lovely home décor, planters and unique household goods to name a few.
    Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Before Friday, Jackson had already won five Daytime Emmys over the years for his portrayal of Lucky.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Praise went to writer-director Angus MacLachlan’s humane filmmaking, the powerhouse performances from David Strathairn and Jane Levy, and the authentic portrayal of family life in Middle America.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Penguins looked utterly out of sorts in the first period and didn’t look the least bit equipped to come back from the early deficit.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • These days, entrepreneurial sorts are likely to flee entertainment for the booming pastures of AI.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The big-picture story isn’t any better.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Nearly six months later, though, a slightly different picture is emerging; ironically, a glance at Rotten Tomatoes — more of which later — shows that the film is now firmly rated just about Fresh with critics and audiences alike, with approval scores of 69% and 65%, respectively.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There are six solid color options available, but the other 11 styles that have stripes and contrasting trims are much more popular.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The snakes feature yellow stripes that run the length of their bodies, which can grow up to five feet.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That's sort of the definition of a child.
    Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Berkus recommends crisp white for these elements to frame the walls and add definition.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on description

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