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type

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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
But over three decades before that, an author, translator, and cultural commentator named Lin Yutang attempted a completely different approach for typing in his native language. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 May 2025 That person was Ahmed Mansour, a journalist and editor for Palestine Today, who had been typing on his laptop just moments before the missile struck. Ghada Abdulfattah, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025 Skip to the next and previous photo by typing j/k or ←/→. This towering structure of billowing gas and dark dust is only a small portion of the Eagle Nebula. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2025 For her part, Sherley’s learned to embrace what’s familiar to any longtime backpacker: type two fun. Zoe Gates, Outside Online, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • While a return to European competition of any kind would be something to heartily celebrate, playing in the third-tier Conference League’s qualifying rounds would somehow still feel like scant reward for a season that promised even more for so long.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • The bill would bar Medicaid from paying for services of any kind at nonprofits that are primarily engaged in family planning or reproductive health and provide abortions.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • People in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell their health care provider.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • He was inspired by Peter Rahal at Rx Bar, because Rahal was able to innovate within the extremely competitive protein bar category.
    Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Our writers picked a few obvious candidates (anytime Lamar Jackson-Patrick Mahomes clash in any year classifies as must-see).
    Dan Pompei, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Based on double-occupancy stateroom bookings, groups typically need to have a minimum of five to eight cabins to be classified as a group.
    Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • These perks are unlocked through the Requisitions menu, which acts as a battle pass of sorts.
    Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
  • Dale also appears to be wearing virtual reality headset of sorts.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • In all of 2024, China ranked second, behind Mexico.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The offense ranked 12th in scoring and the defense was 15th in points allowed.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Part of the appeal of the story for Skarsgård was the genre itself.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Her work is challenging, tending towards body horror while also defying genre confines.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The centers were organized by geographic location—the 25 states with the most facilities were ranked individually, while facilities from remaining states were grouped into four regions.
    Newsweek Rankings, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
  • The platform seems to group this music in a similar basket.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The yellow-green trout featured a red stripe on its side and a white underbelly.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • Video clips posted online depict Babbitt, wearing a stars and stripes backpack and a Trump flag draped around her neck, stepping up and beginning to go through the waist-high opening of an area of the Capitol known as the Speaker’s Lobby when a gunshot is heard.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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