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
This can be lifesaving in an emergency when someone needs blood ASAP and has little time to type their blood. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025 Your Keyboard and Mouse Unsurprisingly, computer keyboards also make the list, since many people type away on one all day. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025 Shane typed up a letter to Steve Zeidman, a professor at CUNY’s School of Law, asking for suggestions for an expert witness. John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025 White then typed out the entry on colons and mailed it to the young writer. Ben Yagoda, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • Fireworks or incendiary devices of any kind.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Sirras said that award looks to be the first of its kind, and the board likely offered it to Nejatian because of a blessing from Opendoor’s cofounders, Eric Wu and Khosla Ventures’ Keith Rabois.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Physics was the first category mentioned in Nobel's will, likely reflecting the prominence of the field during his time.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Trump has vowed for weeks to clean up crime in Chicago, though the city has experienced a decline in most major crime categories this year, according to WBEZ.
    Obed Manuel, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The cause was classified as norovirus, a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and is commonly known as the stomach flu.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball classify the race as a likely victory for Spanberger.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The real brush fire in question took place in the spring (not the winter, as portrayed on the show), and fires of that sort were common.
    JR Radcliffe, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • These strategies – called selection sort and shaker sort – are typically studied in computer science.
    Celeste Kidd, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Here are the 10 deadliest missiles on the planet as of 2025, ranked by reach, firepower, and technological edge.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Some, like Cisco, ranked fifth on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For – Europe list, are instead trying to use the technology to unlock employee potential—and give them back their time.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Cars from various eras and genres could be seen inside of the garages.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the genre's themes, horror fans describe their community as kind, open-minded, and welcoming.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Called the Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, the stays are grouped by the types of activities travelers seek, whether that’s hiking near alpine lakes, snorkeling among coral reefs teeming with fish, or getting cozy in a cabin in the woods.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The eclectic designs can be displayed on their own, or they can be grouped together to form a funky gallery wall.
    L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another perk is its attention to design, with two minimal pattern options (a stripe and a swirl) that feel like a gorgeous blank slate compared to other squares of colored fabric that bill themselves as bath mats.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The pillows are plush, hypoallergenic, and feature a damask stripe pattern for an elevated look.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 10 Oct. 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!