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
But either way, this characterization gradually faded away throughout the production process as Elio became more masculine following feedback from leadership.
—
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025
In a concurring opinion, Justice Caleb Stegall criticized the majority opinion’s characterization of prosecutors’ overreach.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
But even if Trump’s characterization turns out to be accurate, the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities may not mean the end of the Iranian nuclear threat.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
There's plenty of giant dinosaurs around, but the dinos and the humans alike are done in by weak characterization, iffy action scenes and a lack of the original's spirit.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025
In a concurring opinion, Justice Caleb Stegall criticized the majority opinion’s characterization of prosecutors’ overreach.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
But even if Trump’s characterization turns out to be accurate, the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities may not mean the end of the Iranian nuclear threat.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
There's plenty of giant dinosaurs around, but the dinos and the humans alike are done in by weak characterization, iffy action scenes and a lack of the original's spirit.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 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 9 Jul. 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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