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

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
• ordinary
• common
• classic
• customary
• conventional
• predictable
• predominant
• commonplace
• familiar
• everyday
• habitual
• expected
• routine
• vintage
• wonted
• preponderant
• workaday
• unremarkable
• textbook
• unexceptional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Those journalistic characteristics have taken my broadcast to a different level. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Holotype specimens serve as a main standard-bearer and reference point for the physical characteristics of a species, so that scientists can compare and contrast them to see if a specimen belongs to one species or another. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Although the photographs share the unnerving intensity characteristic of his films, Lynch understood the two disciplines as distinct. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

And in relation to me and Baba—so much of that inability to express affection is characteristic of son-father relationships in Arab families and has so much to do with how both of us were taught what a man should behave like. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026