Synonyms of characteristic

characteristic 1 of 2

noun

ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik 

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

• trait
• feature
• attribute
• quality
• attribution
• criterion
• hallmark
• property
• peculiarity
• mark
• specific
• particularity
• marker
• character
• symbol
• fingerprint
• affection
• touch
• stamp
• indication
• point
• sign
• note
• differentia
• diagnostic
• virtue
• emblem
• badge
• token
• charm
• merit
• grace
• excellence
• uniqueness
• eccentricity
• individuality
• singularity
• idiosyncrasy
• quirk
• oddity

characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

1

as in distinctive

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group

the characteristic taste of licorice

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinctive
• distinguishing
• distinct
• typical
• peculiar
• unmistakable
• identifying
• individual
• diagnostic
• symptomatic
• classic
• discriminating
• proper
• diagnostical
• idiosyncratic
• usual
• identifiable
• common
• general
• specific
• generic
• particular
• pronounced
• special
• normal
• paradigmatic
• especial
• regular
• archetypal
• model
• archetypical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• uncharacteristic
• untypical
• nontypical

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

• typical
• normal
• standard
• true
• average
• usual
• regular
• representative
• archetypal
• archetypical
• common
• classic
• ordinary
• customary
• conventional
• predominant
• predictable
• commonplace
• everyday
• familiar
• habitual
• expected
• routine
• vintage
• wonted
• preponderant
• unremarkable
• workaday
• textbook
• unexceptional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abnormal
• atypical
• unusual
• anomalous
• deviant
• aberrant
• uncommon
• distinctive
• irregular
• special
• untypical
• unique
• remarkable
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• rare
• noteworthy
• unexpected
• unconventional
• singular
• peculiar
• unpredictable
• especial
• unfamiliar
• unwonted
• infrequent
• idiosyncratic
• unknown
• nonrepresentative
• nontypical
• eccentric
• strange
• unorthodox
• odd
• uncustomary
• curious
• nonconformist
• funny
• quirky
• erratic
• oddball
• outlandish
• funky
• offbeat
• bizarre
• wacky
• unnatural
• outrageous
• weird
• screwy
• fantastic
• wild
• freakish
• out-of-the-way
• fantastical
• freak
• whacky
• way-out
• outré
• kooky
• far-out
• kookie

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective characteristic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of characteristic are distinctive, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When could distinctive be used to replace characteristic?

While in some cases nearly identical to characteristic, distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When can individual be used instead of characteristic?

Although the words individual and characteristic have much in common, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When might peculiar be a better fit than characteristic?

The meanings of peculiar and characteristic largely overlap; however, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of characteristic

Noun

Amid this surge in risk, CNBC has charted which states could be best prepared—and least prepared—for a recession, basing the findings on overall economic strength and other characteristics that could insulate an economy from a major downturn. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025

There are nearly 50 species of pine trees native to North America with diverse characteristics and growing preferences. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025

Adjective

The characteristic rash appears three to five days after initial symptoms, often accompanied by fever spikes exceeding 104 degrees. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025

But all character potential is flattened by writing and direction that allows for just one characteristic apiece. —David Benedict, Variety, 24 June 2025