as in trait
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the characteristic taste of licorice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the characteristic wit and good-naturedness of the Irish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
That is a term with no legal meaning, and the ‘characteristics’ listed here are a concocted fiction of the Trump Administration.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2025
Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
During the last month of the course, students practice communicating effectively in a wide range of circumstances characteristic of a STEM career.
—Filomena Nunes, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
Scottie Scheffler is arguably the best ball striker in the world, which remains a mystery to many due to the characteristics of his swing.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
That is a term with no legal meaning, and the ‘characteristics’ listed here are a concocted fiction of the Trump Administration.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Structured with fresh acidity and length, the oak is well integrated, and the overall impression is of a balanced, delicious wine with the red fruit aromas that are characteristic of Trepat.
—Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
During the last month of the course, students practice communicating effectively in a wide range of circumstances characteristic of a STEM career.
—Filomena Nunes, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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The book mixes Walton’s story with other anecdotes to create an easy-to-read guide to identifying the common personality and behavioral traits that signal scam artists.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
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Artist Terry Smith, who introduced the Pro-Visions line and illustrated the insert cards for Fleer through 1992, drew inspiration from players’ nicknames or defining traits to create images that felt like the cover of a comic book.—
Tyler Holzhammer,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Another distinctive calling card: its auto heritage.—
Carol Cain,
Freep.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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Inter Miami kits are a slightly curious thing, in that the home jerseys don’t have to do much work in the ‘being distinctive’ stakes, because of their colour.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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On a typical weekday, only two of them are occupied, though when the campus is crowded for, say, a football game day, they can all be staffed simultaneously.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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In typical Red Bull fashion, the team began the race weekend with palpable pessimism regarding the RB21, struggling with the setups and looking more like an upper-midfield car than a race-fighting one.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In a investigation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found a conveyor belt at the Jeep facility lacked adequate safety features.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
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The new species was identified by its scale pattern, skeleton, jaws, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What once felt like science fiction is soon going to become totally normal.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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Although that may be the new normal, before your next major tech or AI decision, take a deliberate step back.—
Jason James,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Taste, vision and the ability to motivate others are purely human attributes, as automation eliminates the mechanical component of these qualities.—
Mark Minevich,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
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Besides the physical attributes of the buildings, Gorski said the economy over the past three decades played a significant role in the conversions.—
Brian E. Clark,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Each provider offers distinct benefits, from low introductory prices to high-speed fiber connections.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
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To Advance Redistricting Map Hurricane Erin 2025 Tracker: Satellite Images, Graphics Show Growing Storm's Path 11:18 AM EDT Erik and Lyle could get separate results As Erik and Lyle Menendez face separate parole hearings, their distinct approaches to rehabilitation may influence the outcomes.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Choose from 20 colors, plus sizes 5–13 with half sizes and narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide widths.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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For others, the standard medicines just don’t work well.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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