as in trait
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the characteristic taste of licorice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the characteristic wit and good-naturedness of the Irish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Frannie Comstock,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 June 2026
The various filters on the telescope also help capture important properties like brightness and color, which give clues to important characteristics like temperature and distance.
—
Miriam Waldvogel,
Washington Post,
30 June 2026
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
17 June 2026
After more talk of intimate moments that occurred during the shoot, and a few anecdotes about nipples, Shaver then redirected the conversation, lighting things up in her characteristic way.
—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
Geographical distribution and physical characteristics The kaffir lime is native to South and Southeast Asia, including the countries of Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
—
Frannie Comstock,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 June 2026
The various filters on the telescope also help capture important properties like brightness and color, which give clues to important characteristics like temperature and distance.
—
Miriam Waldvogel,
Washington Post,
30 June 2026
Adjective
This can reveal a world's chemistry because elements absorb and emit light at characteristic wavelengths.
—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
17 June 2026
After more talk of intimate moments that occurred during the shoot, and a few anecdotes about nipples, Shaver then redirected the conversation, lighting things up in her characteristic way.
—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
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Caretakers manage breeding programs to preserve their distinctive traits, including their long horns and rich brown coloring, a shade associated with royalty, maturity and stability.
Adjective
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The Lebanese Australian producer created his distinctive style by blending sounds from the Arab world with hard-hitting bass music.
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Banfield-Norris, who is Jaden’s grandmother, served a softer contrast to her grandkids’ shoes, opting for the elegant Christian Louboutin Senora leopard-print sandals, which feature a distinctive red sole and a T-strap design.
Adjective
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Treatments start at $49, which is a bargain compared to typical pest control treatments that cost nearly three times that amount.
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The rules called for the combatants to square off with just eight paces between them — rather than the 20 or 30 paces typical of the time — and both men hit their targets.
Noun
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The company is selling highly customizable electric vehicles that come with few standard features, but plenty of optional add-ons.
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Stars from Rowling's Harry Potter feature films have also criticized her stances, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
Adjective
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Honda's vehicles feature a distinct design language and identity that evolves without deviating from the brand's ethos.
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Each of them hold their own distinct style and personality, with something for everyone, not just in the glass, but in the atmosphere.
Adjective
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Shah adds that many women feel their best when ferritin levels are at least between 40 and 70 ng/ml for optimal energy and hair health, even if lab ranges suggest lower levels are ‘normal’.
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People are being asked to have their trash and recycling at the curb at least one hour prior to their normal pickup time.
Noun
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This total encompasses the energy output alongside its associated capacity and environmental attributes.
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All great attributes for the Hawks’ post-Trae Young reality.
Adjective
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Its value proposition is strong since each trim comes with a long list of standard features.
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Under the standard plan, borrowers will have between 10 years and 25 years to repay their loans depending on the amount borrowed.
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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