Thesaurus

characteristic

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

Save Word

Synonyms of characteristic

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 for characteristic

Words Related to characteristic

charm,
grace

characteristic

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of characteristic (Entry 2 of 2)

1 serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group

the characteristic taste of licorice

Synonyms for characteristic

Words Related to characteristic

idiosyncratic

general,
generic

Antonyms for characteristic

2 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 for characteristic

Words Related to characteristic

Near Antonyms for characteristic

Antonyms for characteristic

Frequently Asked Questions About characteristic

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