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
Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
—Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Yet, the response from Chelsea was characteristic of their manager.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
But one of the characteristics that differentiates AI is its impact on highly skilled jobs.
—Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
—Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Adjective
The characteristic measles rash then appears three to five days after the initial signs, starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.
—Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Yet, the response from Chelsea was characteristic of their manager.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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The study found that, once again, this trait strongly predicted breadcrumbing, and was also associated with ghosting behaviors.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Compared with the other dragons in the original, which character designer Nico Marlet imagined with comically lopsided proportions — bulgy eyes, oversize heads, ungainly fangs — Toothless was an elegant mix of feline and canine traits, mapped onto a sleek black reptilian body.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Botanical Name: Petunia hybrids Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Medium, well-draining, average fertility Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-7.0) 09 of 11 Rosemary The fragrant, needle-like foliage of rosemary will repel flies but add a distinctive flavor to your recipes.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
13 June 2025
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The Peacock alum’s team executed the particularly ubiquitous State Farm ad featuring Severance star Adam Scott, set in the series’ distinctive office and directed by Ben Stiller.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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This choice allows the plants to make maximum use of the soil's water and nutrients resources, particularly important in the poor soils and arid climates typical of Apulia.—
Elisabetta Tosi,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Bacalao is served in all manner of dishes; one of the most popular is with pil-pil sauce, made of olive oil, garlic and the juice of the fish, and typical in the Basque Country.—
Jon Yeomans,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
Noun
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The stylish design comes in four color options to fit nearly any space, while the 360-degree swivel feature allows for quiet, seamless movement.—
Megan Schaltegger,
People.com,
4 June 2025
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Related Stories One of Britain’s most prominent actors, Thompson is being praised by Locarno for a career in acting, writing, and producing that spans both television and film and ranges from independent features to major blockbusters.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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At the World Championships, Metcalfe saw a competitor achieve a 100kg deadlift and decided to push herself beyond her normal limits.—
Andy Frye,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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In normal circumstances, the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act barring U.S. soldiers from acting like law enforcement in the U.S. But the Insurrection Act, first enacted in 1792, allows the president to deploy the military inside the U.S. to help civilian law enforcement with law enforcement duties.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
9 June 2025
Noun
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Maybe being great at 10 out of 10 things makes a team member an A-plus, but if someone just has 7 out of 10, then focus on enhancing those key attributes even more.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Blue has all the attributes needed to be a great rescue dog to the right home and family.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Pullman Market follows in the footsteps of Eataly before it, but this complex’s concepts are so much more distinct and delicious than anything that forebear has offered.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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As five distinct stories unfold, creators wonder: In a future when memories can be erased, identities rewritten and fate engineered, what remains truly ours?—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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The standard Grand Prix mode is present and correct.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Most standard MicroSD cards use the UHS-I or UHS-II standard, with one or two rows of pins.—
Brad Bourque,
Wired News,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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