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
• identifiable
• idiosyncratic
• usual
• 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
• unnatural
• wacky
• outrageous
• weird
• fantastic
• wild
• screwy
• 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

International reach is a major characteristic of this event as well and this factor separates the all-day-and-night party from other renowned music festivals. —Malik Peay, Essence, 12 June 2025

Depositphotos The purpose of GAS is to align a person’s physical characteristics with their gender identity. —Paul McClure 11, New Atlas, 11 June 2025

Adjective

According to this narrative, late-stage liberalism and the globalization of markets, with their characteristic rootlessness, dissolve this communal existence. —Peter H. Schwartz, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

However, each object is characteristic of its community, made with different varieties of flint and in a particular shape. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025