characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌka-rik-
: 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
The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.
News reporting requires accurate characterization.
The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.
The story has good characterization.
Recent Examples on the Web
The former vice-president’s characterizations of peers such as Pete Buttigieg (talented but too gay for the America to accept as her running mate), and Josh Shapiro (an egoist) are not particularly juicy, but have already caused bad blood.
—
Book Marks
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
Earlier this year, Refiberd signed a cooperative R&D agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to advance textile feedstock characterization and analysis.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
That came amid a furor on the right over a remark Kimmel made about MAGA’s characterization of the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue disputed the White House’s characterization of its product.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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Book Marks
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
Earlier this year, Refiberd signed a cooperative R&D agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to advance textile feedstock characterization and analysis.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
That came amid a furor on the right over a remark Kimmel made about MAGA’s characterization of the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue disputed the White House’s characterization of its product.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
Cite this Entry
“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
1
: the act of characterizing
2
: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)
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