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 Hoyos said the move was made because Rios Novo, who was Miami’s starter during its MLS Cup championship run, has characteristics that better suit the team’s playing style. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 This is one of the defining characteristics of the post-stability economy. — Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Additionally, the breast cancer characteristics of some participants were unknown, which may have affected the data. — Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 The companies will assess the batteries’ performance, reliability, safety, and charging characteristics under everyday driving conditions. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026 The grid menu guides imbibers to their next taste of its classic and aromatic wines, noting characteristics ranging from rich to funky and from herbal to fruity. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Security cameras retain footage for 30 days and include an AI search tool capable of identifying general characteristics, such as clothing color or backpacks. — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 29 July 2026 Nicknamed Planet Nine and sometimes more generically called Planet X, its existence is hotly debated, but most predictions of this putative world’s characteristics put it squarely in the range of LSST’s capabilities to spot. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristics

Noun

The Free People One Frida Godet Midiskirt has those same ethereal qualities with a modern twist that feels wearable in everyday life.

— Tessa Petak, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026
The defining universities of the next generation will demonstrate those same qualities themselves.

— David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualities

Noun

Getting there defied logic and demanded resilience, traits that have defined this club during a chaotic season.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
The Leadership Blind Spot Of Identity Lag The traits that make a great leader can also set the stage for physical decline.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of traits

Noun

While most conventional theories predict that these stores will not be as successful as hoped, this experiment has never been tried in a place like New York City, which has unique attributes.

— Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
The duo are among the side’s most consistent, reliable performers – and both have the attributes to slot in at wingback comfortably.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of attributes

Noun

But the current facility lacks features like a gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field and an auditorium, which Stewart said are important for a well-rounded educational environment.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
The licensed players and NIL concept revived the college game, but complicated features like this beloved one.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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

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“Characteristics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristics. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of characteristics

noun

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