characterization
noun
ˌka-rik-\
Definition of characterization
: the act of characterizing especially : the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others
Examples of characterization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In recent months, Engler has drawn headlines for making a controversial statement about ESPN and for offering $250,000 to a Nassar survivor during a meeting — a characterization Engler has disputed. — Joe Guillen, Detroit Free Press, "John Engler involved in MSU misstep, emails show," 8 June 2018 Even his characterization of North Korea as a brutal dictatorship had grown more equivocal after meeting its 34-year-old leader. — Washington Post, BostonGlobe.com, "Little mention of human rights at Trump-Kim summit," 13 June 2018 Administration officials chafe against some characterizations of Leo as the hidden hand behind Trump’s judicial picks. — Zeke Miller, The Seattle Times, "Meet Leonard Leo: unassuming figure with big voice on Supreme Court nominees," 3 July 2018 Even his characterization of North Korea as a brutal dictatorship had grown more equivocal after meeting its 34-year-old leader. — Washington Post, BostonGlobe.com, "Little mention of human rights at Trump-Kim summit," 13 June 2018 Even his characterization of North Korea as a brutal dictatorship had grown more equivocal after meeting its 34-year-old leader. — David Nakamura, chicagotribune.com, "Once forceful on North Korean human rights abuses, Trump is mostly mum during summit with Kim," 12 June 2018 The safest characterization of recent quantitative attempts to answer the question, Do digital tools enhance democracy? — Dylan Matthews, Vox, "The internet was supposed to save democracy. I asked 4 tech optimists what went wrong.," 8 June 2018 TriMet has repeatedly disputed that characterization, and the agency posted its own list of del Rocio's run-ins with transit fare officers this year. — Andrew Theen, OregonLive.com, "#TriMetWhileWhite spreads as Latina board member's case moves forward," 27 Apr. 2018 Schubert said the characterization of her as resisting reform was false. — Jon Schuppe /, NBC News, "Stephon Clark killing becomes test in Sacramento DA election," 30 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'characterization.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for characterization
characterization
noun
English Language Learners Definition of characterization
: the act of describing the character or qualities of someone or something
: the way a writer makes a person in a story, book, play, movie, or television show seem like a real person
See the full definition for characterization in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on characterization
What made you want to look up characterization? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
-
- Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
A mythological/etymological mashup!
Take the quiz -
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz -
Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share characterization
Resources for characterization