characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz 
ˈka-rik-
characterized; characterizing
1
: to describe the character (see character entry 1 sense 1a) or quality of
characterizes him as ambitious
2
: to be a characteristic of : distinguish
an era characterized by greed
Examples of characterize in a Sentence
How would you characterize the situation?
I would characterize this as a positive change for our company.
She had difficulty characterizing their relationship.
His personality is hard to characterize.
Farms and large flat fields characterize most of the area.
the beliefs that characterized Europe in the 15th century
Recent Examples on the Web
The White House regularly characterizes undocumented immigrants as drivers of urban lawlessness, even though the data show that is not true.
—
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Although further details on the tribute were kept under wraps, organizers said the ceremony will be characterized by an unprecedented, widespread format, with activations planned in key locations scattered across Northern Italy.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
This dachshund, characterized by its soft, long hair and distinct chocolate-and-tan coloring, has drawn particular affection from viewers not just for its adorable appearance but also for its seemingly earnest participation in household responsibilities.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
The upcoming Doha Film Festival has unveiled its competition lineup, characterized by a strong regional component and an accent on the Palestinian plight.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
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Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Although further details on the tribute were kept under wraps, organizers said the ceremony will be characterized by an unprecedented, widespread format, with activations planned in key locations scattered across Northern Italy.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
This dachshund, characterized by its soft, long hair and distinct chocolate-and-tan coloring, has drawn particular affection from viewers not just for its adorable appearance but also for its seemingly earnest participation in household responsibilities.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
The upcoming Doha Film Festival has unveiled its competition lineup, characterized by a strong regional component and an accent on the Palestinian plight.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈkar-ik-tə-ˌrīz
characterized; characterizing
1
: to point out the character of an individual or group : describe
characterize him as ambitious
2
: to be characteristic of
tragic endings characterized her stories
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