characteristic 1 of 2

characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of 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
  • The Dalmatian Club of America, for example, spent decades urging breeders to euthanize deaf puppies so the trait wouldn’t spread.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Additionally, the study also found a correlation between breathing traits and a person’s mental health.
    Jay Kakade June 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • There is very little on the menu that’s distinctive.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 June 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
  • This training teaches us to be present in the midst of the chaos of a typical day.
    Janice Marturano, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The only above-ground feature is a rooftop penthouse, while everything else is tucked deep underground.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • McEnroe and Evert each gave TNT high marks for its debut, with the latter commentator praising the cable network’s willingness to experiment with big names and decidedly untraditional features.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 June 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
  • 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
  • While the divergence between the two is fair, its explanation lies elsewhere: Investor valuations and retail prices differ because they are driven by distinct fundamentals and considerations.
    Thibault Adrien, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Rasmussen’s strategy is to lean into the company’s distinct ethos—faith, service, and financial stewardship—as a competitive advantage rather than a liability.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on characteristic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!