type 1 of 2

type

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word type distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of type are character, description, kind, nature, and sort. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

When can character be used instead of type?

While the synonyms character and type are close in meaning, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of type?

The words description and type can be used in similar contexts, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might kind be a better fit than type?

The synonyms kind and type are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When could nature be used to replace type?

Although the words nature and type have much in common, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When is sort a more appropriate choice than type?

While in some cases nearly identical to type, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

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 type
Verb
Well, zooming in on writing, for example, a 2020 study claimed brain activity is greater when a note is handwritten as opposed to being typed on a keyboard. New Atlas, 25 May 2025 All that swiping and typing and scrolling—too much potential friction between you and ChatGPT. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 With this feature, users can open any app by typing with a connected braille device or Braille Screen Input - an Apple system that allows users to enter braille into their devices. Arsheeya Bajwa, USA Today, 15 May 2025 Researchers randomly assigned people with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes) to take either Zepbound or Wegovy for 72 weeks. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • The front office and coaching staff can probably pencil Bobby McMann into a third-line left wing position and Scott Laughton into a fourth-line role of some kind.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • My family always preferred the flaky kind made with a cream cheese dough, and apricot, raspberry, prune and sweet cheese were our fillings of choice.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • New applications in these categories are included in the suspension.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • Notwithstanding the growth of tequila and bourbon over the last decade, vodka remains the largest spirits category by volume and still ranks among the top three for revenue.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Birders and organizations such as the American Ornithological Society have always classified them as separate species.
    Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • Some would impose net neutrality requirements or classify ISPs as utilities, the filing said.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The appointment is a homecoming of sorts for Kehoe, 70, who in the early ’90s served as the office’s second-in-command.
    Dan Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • The piece boasted a large, full train, the sort that would likely not have been acceptable at the Cannes Film Festival that recently ended.
    Mikelle Street, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 25 May 2025
  • They have been ranked as the second and third most destructive wildfires in California history, according to Cal Fire.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Rap, as a radical genre, follows no rules and is inherently anti-authoritarian.
    Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
  • The night’s opener was Marten Lou, who is German-born but residing in Paris and who shared his Euro-forward interpretation of the genre, along with German favorite Jan Blomqvist, who appeared for a surprise set and skillfully layered his vocals over his moody and melodic signature sound.
    Meghan Mahar, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Channels can be effectively grouped by their strategic role: generating awareness (podcasts), inspiring consideration (Pinterest), fostering engagement (YouTube) or enabling transactions (email).
    Seraj Bharwani, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The recommendations below are grouped by color and their prime flowering season.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The rocker, known for her signature bleach-blonde 'do, frequently paired denim with an edgy T-shirt, bold stripes, patterns or sequins.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Gingham France has a reputation for loving a classic stripe, but Sézalory reminded me of another neutral pattern to reach for during the summer—gingham.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on type

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!