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
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 method allowed scientists to precisely manipulate traits like shape, color, and pattern — something impossible to do with living specimens.—
Stephanie Edwards,
Discover Magazine,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Some patients also develop distinctive rashes, particularly those associated with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
7 July 2025
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The Phoenix Financial Center, a distinctive office complex in central Phoenix, is slated for a major renovation.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
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
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Temperatures will be around 87 degrees, which is typical for this time of year in the metro.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
At 44-feet long, the town's new ladder truck has a compact wheelbase for improved maneuverability— an essential feature for navigating the town’s narrower roads and residential areas, Interim Fire Chief Matthew Lupo explained.—
Gabrielle Chenault,
The Tennessean,
9 July 2025
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Its auto-pause technology is a special feature that prevents overheating by stopping airflow after three seconds of inactivity.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
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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If the war in Ukraine is to be contained and ultimately resolved, Europe will have to make clear to Beijing that normal commercial relations cannot coexist with China’s support for a war against the European security order.—
Michael Carpenter,
Foreign Affairs,
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
-
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
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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
Adjective
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Historically, the use of scientific consensus as a method of understanding scientific postures has been relatively popular and construed as the standard way of doing things.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
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 12 Jul. 2025.
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