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?

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2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of characterize Summary Paradoxical insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by a feeling of not getting enough sleep, but sleep tests do not show abnormalities. Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025 According to the study, this type of unrest is characterized by a sombrero pattern, where the landmass in the center of the volcano rises, while the land around it sinks. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 The Down-to-Earth Pope In a historic moment characterized by autocrats and would-be autocrats, Francis was the antithesis of a strongman. Bluesky Social, 21 Apr. 2025 In today's business environment, characterized by rapid technological evolution, application modernization has become an essential strategic step to ensure the competitiveness and efficiency of organizations. Manuel Sanchez, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
  • Living history interpreters will interact with the public, describing the events of the time and the life of soldiers on campaign during the early 1800s.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025
  • Those amendments — described by Sen. Faith Winter as the hearing began around 3:15 p.m. — will come at the end of what is set to be a long day in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s letter noted that the one-year term of vehicle leases is often the result of state statutes or rules that distinguish a vehicle lease from a rental for sales tax purposes and set the minimum term for a lease at one year.
    Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Loveland’s ability to separate from defenders is what distinguished him.
    Adam Jahns, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This hiatus was reportedly attributed to an injury sustained by Bo Dallas, who portrays the Uncle Howdy character, as WWE had specific creative plans in place for the entire group.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And what will define a successful correspondents' dinner for the Hilton?
    Major Garrett, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Non-discrimination practices were defined as interventions like diversity training.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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