character 1 of 2

Definition of characternext
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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
Criticism should address specific behaviors, decisions, or outcomes, not character traits or assumptions about motivation. Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 The ongoing love-hate chemistry between Avon and his character’s arch nemesis, the head of the Federation, Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce), was an undeniable highlight. Scott Snowden, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Stanley made her acting debut as the popular Disney Channel character Kim Possible in the eponymous TV movie for the network released in 2019. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026 Jacob was able integrate your character more in the series. Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
  • Burrus, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation who self-identifies as transgender, said losing faith in the Democrats and never having faith in the Republicans led to embracing communism.
    Asra Q. Nomani , Nikolas Lanum , Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Like all Americans, our officers have a right to self defense.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Safavi said symbols of the state have been targeted nationwide.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • More importantly, the Venezuelan people deserve the chance to rebuild their society without fear and without being reduced to symbols in someone else's geopolitical argument.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The death of Amini in the custody of the morality police became a symbol of systemic repression, particularly against women.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Cami trying to bring morality to the oil industry sure sounds nice, but she would be eaten alive.
    William Earl, Variety, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Kelly has a reputation as one of the most disruptive regulars stationed outside the church.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
  • That capacity, paired with a reputation for speed and precision, is why Chief Sales Officer Blake Burroughs says major companies like Fanatics and Nike tap Topshelf during high‑stakes playoff runs.
    Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Music therapy seeks to tap into that innate characteristic of humankind.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Both have dim, mysterious companions with unusual characteristics.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The identity of film’s producer – the Korean April 25 Film Studio, which is responsible for North Korea’s most ideologically significant films – makes its embrace of graphic violence and thriller-style storytelling especially notable.
    Will Ripley, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
  • His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Earlier that evening, Garden Grove police had been contacted by the Santa Ana Police Department, which was investigating a possible missing-person case after the woman failed to report to work, police said.
    Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The occasional person on a walk or shopper at one of the barely dozen stores still open, but the sound inside the mall is mostly just silence.
    Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • As with all art forms, the world of nails offers something for everyone, from the austere to the eccentric.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Also, Joan Cusack plays an infamous local eccentric, and a fictional pop star shows up!
    Mary Sollosi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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