CHARACTERISTICS Synonyms: 40 Similar Words

characteristics

noun

plural of characteristic

as in qualities

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

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of characteristics The growth in private credit AUM has attracted capital from a broader range of investors who may not fully appreciate the distinctive risk characteristics of the asset class. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Doubling Atlanta for Savannah was the primary challenge for production designer Jamie Walker McCall, who quickly realized the two cities were very different in their physical characteristics. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 Different products may require different types of fibers, binders, coatings or additives to achieve specific performance characteristics. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 July 2026 According to the report, the object displayed flight characteristics the crew had never encountered. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 Elite athletes have genetic, environmental, and behavioral characteristics associated with long lifespans and lower risk of brain disease, making the data from NFL players all the more dramatic. — Damian Garde, STAT, 9 July 2026 Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have identified parallels between Belmont’s principles and characteristics of trustworthy artificial intelligence. — Stephanie Haridopolos, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026 Even text messages have taken on characteristics of the spoken word. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Due to her limited knowledge of the lore, there were characteristics that guided her transformation. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristics

Noun

But his centre-forward qualities extend beyond pure physical strength, with Merino possessing genuine striker instincts, movement and anticipation.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Schools may soon be the only institution capable of developing these qualities consistently and at scale.

— Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of qualities

Noun

Although the origins of the brooch itself are still unknown, the meaning behind the moonstone could indicate reflection, celebration or various attributes Queen Camilla wanted to emphasize at Wednesday’s event.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Greece nails oodles of desirable attributes, according to Henley & Partners, a company that provides residence and citizenship planning.

— Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 14 July 2026

Definition of attributes

Noun

But horns are actually important safety features and, when used properly, can also help keep traffic moving.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
Hackman Capital’s plan to recoup its investment included continuing to operate Television City as a studio for rent while adding new revenue-generating features.

— Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of features

Noun

The work has bounced between several attributions over the years before scholar Giuseppe Porzio identified it as a painting by Glielmo, giving bidders a fresh reason to take notice.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
Political discussions on social media are often dominated by competing attributions of more and more insidious motives to people on the other side.

— Mark Schroeder, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026

Definition of attributions

Noun

Officials had estimated only four bus stops would be subject to new higher-density allowances — but in SANDAG’s maps, 21 meet the criteria.

— Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
The foundation also runs open calls, publicly posting eligibility criteria.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 11 July 2026

Definition of criteria

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characteristic

characteristics

characterize

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“Characteristics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristics. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of characteristics

noun

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