character 1 of 2

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as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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character

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verb

as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group formerly charactered as "the dark ages," that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word character different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of character are attribute, property, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When might attribute be a better fit than character?

The words attribute and character can be used in similar contexts, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When can property be used instead of character?

The synonyms property and character are sometimes interchangeable, but property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

In what contexts can quality take the place of character?

The meanings of quality and character largely overlap; however, quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

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 character
Noun
Through poetic dialogue and deeply human characters, August Wilson crafts a story of resilience and rebirth. Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 June 2025 The movie brings back several old favorites — including Velociraptors, Dilophosaurus and a T. rex from the original — before unleashing this fresh monstrosity on the handful of characters who make it to the end. Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 June 2025 Early on, he was often cast in Latino character roles on shows like HBO’s The Wire and Fox’s Gang Related. Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 But to see it in a character so young is sort of heartbreaking. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
  • March 2025 The Lovers: March seems to be a month of making major choices and aligning with your future self, Pisces.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • My work is infused with love—and a quest for love—of the self and others.
    Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Melons are a cultural symbol, and a pair of Yukari Kings once famously sold for $45,000 at auction.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
  • Left-hander Tyler Anderson has been the symbol of the troubles.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • However, Harry Potter is not a straightforward morality tale about technology.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • Set to hit shelves in February 2026, Maryk's novel adopts the time-travel fiction of The Midnight Library and The Book of Doors while raising major questions about mortality, morality and more.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Canadians live up their gracious, welcoming reputation, and their desire to make your visit special turns this road trip into a lifelong memory.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • Real Madrid’s winning reputation is built on their clinical efficiency in both boxes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • This means the fruit from the seedling will closely resemble that of the parent plant in flavor and other characteristics.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Two other graves, isolated from the rest, show the same characteristics.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • As David Brandman, the neurosurgeon involved in the study, put it, our voice is a core part of our identity.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • In some cases, Manning said, the fact that the deceased person was gay was wiped from their identity in the funerals.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • This contrast shows how the same event can feel empowering to one person and limiting to another. 2.
    IESE Business School, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Winners can pick up their claim forms in person at more than 23,000 California Lottery retail partners, but are also allowed to fill out a form online.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Other characters include outcasts, visionaries and eccentrics — all of whom live on the margins as unseen — a former priest, a girl trapped in working her family’s candy stand, a woman who learned preaching from her brother and is a caretaker for her dying housemate.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025
  • American eccentrics like Walters long have provided material for satirists across the pond.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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