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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 21 June 2025
But the approach differs from one game to another depending on the characteristics of the players and how the opponent sets up.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
Such irreversibility is characteristic of the flow of heat.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
An Aflac spokesperson told Reuters that the characteristics of the incident were consistent with the hacking group Scattered Spider, which has a reputation for targeting multiple companies in a single industry in waves.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 21 June 2025
But the approach differs from one game to another depending on the characteristics of the players and how the opponent sets up.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Adjective
But Ferencz might have responded with characteristic bullishness.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
Such irreversibility is characteristic of the flow of heat.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
-
What wasn’t reported was Rivera’s aversion to pitches coming near him, a trait that’s fatal to long-term hitting success.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2025
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This industry-wide trait is also reflected in valuation standards.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Unlike compensation packages that competitors can readily replicate, values alignment creates a distinctive organizational signature that strongly resists imitation—genuine congruence between how leaders navigate complex decisions and how your organization operates daily.—
Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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At the heart of this epic volume was renowned fashion designer Angela Dean, who crafted the distinctive gowns worn by the eight leading ladies on the cover: Halle Berry, Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox, Regina King, Michael Michele, Elise Neal, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith.—
Essence,
Essence,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
This training teaches us to be present in the midst of the chaos of a typical day.—
Janice Marturano,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Though on the surface the blazing, barking vocals and triple-time speed of the track are seemingly at odds with the Foos’ typical mix of pop hooks and radio-friendly rock, the cover makes perfect sense given Grohl’s punk rock pedigree.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
One unique feature is the Pilates studio, which still reflects the club’s original architecture.—
Olivia Cyrus,
Sacbee.com,
27 June 2025
-
The only above-ground feature is a rooftop penthouse, while everything else is tucked deep underground.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Deloitte’s Global Resilience Report, based on surveys of over 2,000 CEOs and 6,000 executives, found that 62% view ongoing disruption as the new normal.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Representatives for OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fortune, made outside normal working hours.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Delap’s performance was less easy to evaluate, but there were more signs that his speed, aggression and direct running are excellent raw attributes to work with.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
One of Hargitay’s themes is the toxicity of fame, especially when it’s awarded not for your accomplishments but your attributes.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
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Linkin Park manages to push three distinct projects north on the same chart at the same time, as consumption of the Grammy-winning act’s catalog continues to grow.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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And if your pain is concentrated in your knees and back, a recumbent bike is an especially good option—even compared to a standard exercise bike, Dr. Fata-Chan says.—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
1 July 2025
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The day after his arrest, during a standard medical intake, Pérez was diagnosed with several health issues, ICE said.—
Claire Healy,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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