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
The goal was to get a group of characters that people wanted to watch in perpetuity. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 The fan selection between the two characters was the latest in a flurry of announcements made by the toymaker after Netflix named Mattel master toy licensee for KPop Demon Hunters dolls, action figures and other products in October 2025. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Already, internet sleuths are uncovering the exact items worn by the characters, and there’s a fan base quickly building for the beauty looks as well. Elle Turner, Glamour, 18 June 2026 The series follows a man (cho), who works at a company making imitation character stickers. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
  • Digital services are also obliged to implement an age verification mechanism that goes beyond self-declaration that the user is over age 18 to protect them from accessing inappropriate or prohibited material.
    Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • Digital services are also obliged to implement an age verification mechanism that goes beyond self-declaration that the user is over 18 to protect them from accessing inappropriate or prohibited material.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The crowd was feeling good and a little in disbelief at the sight of a fighting ring next to one of the most hallowed symbols of American democracy.
    Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 15 June 2026
  • Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
  • One story challenges the notion that contact with another species is likely to lead to conflict, instead tying the evolution of human morality to a symbiotic relationship with an alien race.
    Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • In a former life, this appliance may have doubled as tools used in his prior trade; however, the rapper—whose reputation for serving up hearty helpings of clever musings on the drug trade precedes him—remains intent on feeding the streets.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 June 2026
  • Twelve location expansions followed, each awarded on reputation without a competitive bid.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Those characteristics could make the biochar useful beyond fuel applications.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
  • Though every case is unique, based on those that the NCMEC has tracked, there are some common characteristics among individuals who carry out fetal abductions, Steinbach says.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Police did not reveal the identities of the six on board or the condition of those injured.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • But the race increasingly became a battle over trust and identity.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • The other infected person had visited and camped at a county park and state beach in San Mateo and Marin counties.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • Migis Lodge in South Casco, Maine, is a family-friendly wellness retreat with rates starting at $388 per person per night.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Dippold has populated the show with lovable eccentrics played by great character actors—Dale Dickey, Jeff Hiller, Tim Baltz.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
  • Inbred eccentrics and bumbling detectives have populated the seaside villages of Bruno Dumont’s absurdist comedies.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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