1
as in to describe
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterize
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
My lab has identified, cloned, and characterized some of the key enzymes that modify histones [a type of protein that plays a central role in epigenetic regulation].
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 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
Internally at studios and agencies, there’s confusion — and frustration — around the opt-out mechanism, according to people familiar with the matter, all of whom noted there’s no formal system for doing so and characterized Altman’s walk back as lip service.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
My lab has identified, cloned, and characterized some of the key enzymes that modify histones [a type of protein that plays a central role in epigenetic regulation].
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 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
Internally at studios and agencies, there’s confusion — and frustration — around the opt-out mechanism, according to people familiar with the matter, all of whom noted there’s no formal system for doing so and characterized Altman’s walk back as lip service.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Officers described the shrapnel that dented the patrol car as being two inches by a half-inch.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Oct. 2025
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That’s how Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley described the state of the automotive industry earlier this year amid geopolitical tensions, tariffs, inflation and other disruptions.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The natural springs have long been known as Berkeley Springs, and when the post office needed to distinguish between two Baths in Virginia—West Virginia didn’t become a state until 1863—the town decided to more formally adopt the springs’ name.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Oct. 2025
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But in a market where definitional confusion obscures risk and competitive tensions drive narratives, distinguishing signal from noise is increasingly critical and difficult.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But no matter the intent — the intent can be right, but when things get misconstrued, or however the media wants to portray it, that leaves a void of silence and a lot of questions for the guys on our team.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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That pic won Safdie best director at Venice and earned Johnson the best reviews of his career portraying UFC fighter Mark Kerr.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Their rugged endurance is what endears Jeeps to car-lovers with a sense of history and who appreciate the significance of a vehicle that defined an indefatigable generation.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
17 Oct. 2025
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Lyra’s existence pushes back against the moral absolutes and gendered expectations that define her world and seek to limit her agency.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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