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
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In 1687 Isaac Newton published a book that profoundly contributed to our understanding of the characteristics of gravity.
—Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025
Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Bringing his characteristic flair for ramping up tension with handheld cameras and rapid cutting, Greengrass illustrates how easily the combination of lax safety standards and fire-friendly weather can build in what seems like a heartbeat into a mass-casualty event.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
ArcelorMittal’s current operational story highlights its cyclical characteristics.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In 1687 Isaac Newton published a book that profoundly contributed to our understanding of the characteristics of gravity.
—Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This reveals details of the chemical composition of a planet's atmosphere because chemicals absorb light at characteristic wavelengths.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Bringing his characteristic flair for ramping up tension with handheld cameras and rapid cutting, Greengrass illustrates how easily the combination of lax safety standards and fire-friendly weather can build in what seems like a heartbeat into a mass-casualty event.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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Those traits all kind of culminated in me joining the Kansas City Defender around the time of the protests.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
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Shoddy-Mushroom-8456/Shoddy-Mushroom-8456 Others thought Bella could be a Goldador—a popular cross between a golden retriever and a Labrador retriever, combining the traits of both breeds.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While giants like Diageo and Pernod Ricard dominate volumes, smaller distilleries like Torabhaig are carving out space by leaning into provenance, limited releases, and distinctive house styles.—
Gina Pace,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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At least with this latest batch of iPhones, Apple has made those options much more distinctive and has finally brought some interesting physical variety to the market.—
Bob O’Donnell,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The typical price of a single-family home in the United States is about $368,000, jumping roughly 13% over the past 5 years and 38% over the last decade, the ABC News data team found.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
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In typical athlete origin story fashion, the first half of the Christy trailer depicts the unpolished, brunette Sweeney as real-life champion Christy Salters Martin slugging it out in practice, training on a beach, and hugging her supportive team.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The 2025 Ford Explorer’s welcome new features add function to an already good midsize SUV.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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His killing could become not just a tragedy but a catalyst—an event that radicalizes ever more Americans, less an aberration than a feature of our increasingly perilous national politics.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Many automakers returned to advertising during the NFL season last year as vehicle inventory levels returned to more normal levels.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Her therapist – who Heming Willis accidentally referred to her as her own caregiver – explained how normal these feelings were.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Documenting positive attributes such as community involvement, steady employment, family support, and other meaningful contributions is also a wise move.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Lazar said the key attribute a successful prime minister must now have is the ability to unify the blocs of the National Assembly, which want to avoid another dissolution of parliament.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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China’s three distinct tech phases China’s tech success over the past 20 years was really achieved in three phases.—
Rich Karlgaard,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Do a separate soil test for each distinct area of your yard, such as existing or future vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, because the lab recommendations will depend on the type of plants in that area.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The impressive organizational elements also make this option stand out when compared to standard purses.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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An article from the American Kennel Club (AKC) stated that mini dachshunds weigh about 11 pounds or under, and the standard size is, on average, 16 to 32 pounds.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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