Synonyms of characteristic

characteristic 1 of 2

noun

ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik 

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

• trait
• feature
• attribute
• quality
• attribution
• criterion
• hallmark
• property
• peculiarity
• mark
• specific
• particularity
• marker
• character
• symbol
• fingerprint
• affection
• touch
• stamp
• indication
• point
• sign
• note
• differentia
• diagnostic
• virtue
• emblem
• badge
• token
• charm
• merit
• grace
• excellence
• uniqueness
• eccentricity
• individuality
• singularity
• idiosyncrasy
• quirk
• oddity

characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

1

as in distinctive

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group

the characteristic taste of licorice

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinctive
• distinguishing
• distinct
• typical
• peculiar
• unmistakable
• identifying
• individual
• diagnostic
• symptomatic
• classic
• discriminating
• proper
• diagnostical
• idiosyncratic
• usual
• identifiable
• common
• general
• specific
• generic
• particular
• pronounced
• special
• normal
• paradigmatic
• especial
• regular
• archetypal
• model
• archetypical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• uncharacteristic
• untypical
• nontypical

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

• typical
• normal
• standard
• true
• average
• usual
• regular
• representative
• archetypal
• archetypical
• common
• classic
• ordinary
• customary
• conventional
• predominant
• predictable
• commonplace
• everyday
• familiar
• habitual
• expected
• routine
• vintage
• wonted
• preponderant
• unremarkable
• workaday
• textbook
• unexceptional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abnormal
• atypical
• unusual
• anomalous
• deviant
• aberrant
• uncommon
• distinctive
• irregular
• special
• untypical
• unique
• remarkable
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• rare
• noteworthy
• unexpected
• unconventional
• singular
• peculiar
• unpredictable
• especial
• unfamiliar
• unwonted
• infrequent
• idiosyncratic
• unknown
• nonrepresentative
• nontypical
• eccentric
• strange
• unorthodox
• odd
• uncustomary
• curious
• nonconformist
• funny
• quirky
• erratic
• oddball
• outlandish
• funky
• offbeat
• bizarre
• wacky
• unnatural
• outrageous
• weird
• screwy
• fantastic
• wild
• freakish
• out-of-the-way
• fantastical
• freak
• whacky
• way-out
• outré
• kooky
• far-out
• kookie

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

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