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 Weeks later, on Thursday, June 26, his car was discovered submerged in a local creek, and a body matching Neves' description was found inside the vehicle, according to a press release from the police department. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 28 June 2025 These descriptions occur throughout the documentary, as do subtitles for every talking head, including the Deaf participants. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 During a police interview, Horton was shown surveillance images of a person wearing a marijuana-leaf hat and clothing matching the description provided by the victim. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025 The exact number of pages is listed in the product description on the website. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for description
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
Noun
  • That’s one of several standout stretches here, another being the note-perfect depiction of our heroes feeling the indiscriminate love while on ecstacy.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Then, crammed in between Nixon and a portrait of another former first lady, Laura Bush, a new portrait was added: a depiction of Trump's face overlaid with the American flag.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • To her, these monochromatic portraits bolster an African aesthetic due to their classic feel that stands the test of time.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 30 June 2025
  • But Kosinski elevates that journey by capturing racing in all of its gorgeous, peculiar glory—there’s never been a portrait of Formula One quite like it.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • There are three holidays when alcohol of any kind is prohibited from being sold in Tennessee.
    Jordan Green, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • These portrayals took on new weight and context with the passage of the Hollywood Production Code.
    Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2025
  • This portrayal caused a significant backlash from some viewers at the time.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The 50-day moving average crossed below the 200-day moving average in late January 2025 providing a warning of sorts.
    John Navin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The meeting is an informal deadline of sorts because Paramount is nominating three new members to its board of directors, and if a settlement is not inked in time, the new directors will have to get involved.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Inside, the walls are lined with historical memorabilia and pictures, including a portrait of Aunt Kate, who continues to watch over this riverside enterprise with pride.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • These stats paint a hopeful picture: AI stepping in where traditional mental health care can’t.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Having earned his stripes as a loyalist to this President, he's been rewarded with this lifetime nomination.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 25 June 2025
  • Looking closer, this busy bee did not have any of the characteristic yellow stripes and was somewhat larger than the typical bumble bee.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The law also updates the definition of infertility to be more inclusive and aims to improve access to fertility care for everyone — including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • The definition of cult has broadened, fueling greater interest.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on description

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