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 Meyer's vivid descriptions paint a harrowing picture that holds up just as well as the film version's finale scenes. USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 Keep reading for the complete main slate program, with film descriptions provided by the festival. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025 The staff takes beer seriously, offering detailed descriptions of each brew. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025 The letter must include the animal's address, a description of the issue, the complainant's name, address and phone number. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for description
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
Noun
  • This article discusses Ed Gein’s crimes, as well as transphobic depictions of them on screen.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
  • So no wonder that his engagement with the human cost of rapid industrialization in early 20th century Bohemia fed into his depiction in the novel of social conditions in robber-baron America.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The same could be said of Piccioli, whose muses include the French actor Isabelle Huppert — portraits of whom were shared as a teaser prior to the show.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • On Instagram through the years, he's shared many glimpses into that time in his life, from school portraits and prom pics to Christmas memories and beyond.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Fireworks or incendiary devices of any kind.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Sirras said that award looks to be the first of its kind, and the board likely offered it to Nejatian because of a blessing from Opendoor’s cofounders, Eric Wu and Khosla Ventures’ Keith Rabois.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Best known for his portrayal of Superman, everything changed for the actor in 1995 after a near-fatal horse riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down.
    Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Propes and Redwine hope the film will help break that million-dollar ceiling, but more broadly, Propes is eager to see a portrayal of his life and legacy on screen.
    Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Longchamp’s spring 2026 collection, which will hit stores in November, doubled as a holiday capsule of sorts, featuring winter white looks and ice-skating references.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Her husband’s laughter was the nervous sort.
    Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This wants to be a #MeToo drama that forces you to confront both bigger-picture assumptions and your own biases.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Tensions are brewing between Grapevine officials and the Grapevine-Colleyville school district over possible campus closures and whether the district is being transparent about its financial picture.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Another perk is its attention to design, with two minimal pattern options (a stripe and a swirl) that feel like a gorgeous blank slate compared to other squares of colored fabric that bill themselves as bath mats.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The pillows are plush, hypoallergenic, and feature a damask stripe pattern for an elevated look.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Haberman recommended defining freestanding birthing centers in the local Land Development Code — pulling the definition from the new state law — and placing the centers under the umbrella of medical clinics.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Prenups force couples to agree on that definition, perhaps even setting terms for an open marriage or other relationship boundaries.
    Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on description

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!