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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Recent Examples of characteristics
For decades, scientists debated whether these characteristics were primitive leftovers or later evolutionary reversals and this new research leans toward the first explanation.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Each type of light fixture forms the same general structure, but with individual characteristics informed by the mercurial nature of glass.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 May 2026
All of these shapes share the same flat geometry but each possess their own unique characteristics.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 23 May 2026
Just as each star sign has its own unique characteristics, every architectural style embodies different traits, supports a certain lifestyle, and exudes a particular feeling.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026
Almost all of the bike's riding characteristics can be adjusted to accommodate varying terrain and user preferences.
—New Atlas, 21 May 2026
Those engines made the new generation of 737s more fuel efficient, but also changed the jets' flying characteristics.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Jean-Claude Manuguerra, who heads Pasteur's Environment and Infectious Risk unit, said the remaining variation appeared to reflect natural viral variation and did not seem to affect the characteristics of the virus detected among travelers.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
Flock Safety's license plate reader technology captures vehicle information, including license plates and vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color on the property.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Each type of light fixture forms the same general structure, but with individual characteristics informed by the mercurial nature of glass.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 May 2026
All of these shapes share the same flat geometry but each possess their own unique characteristics.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 23 May 2026
Just as each star sign has its own unique characteristics, every architectural style embodies different traits, supports a certain lifestyle, and exudes a particular feeling.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026
Almost all of the bike's riding characteristics can be adjusted to accommodate varying terrain and user preferences.
—New Atlas, 21 May 2026
Those engines made the new generation of 737s more fuel efficient, but also changed the jets' flying characteristics.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Jean-Claude Manuguerra, who heads Pasteur's Environment and Infectious Risk unit, said the remaining variation appeared to reflect natural viral variation and did not seem to affect the characteristics of the virus detected among travelers.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
Flock Safety's license plate reader technology captures vehicle information, including license plates and vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color on the property.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristics
Noun
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Benefits of Almonds for Heart Health While combining dark chocolate and almonds has a positive impact on heart health, each food provides distinct cardioprotective qualities that contribute to these benefits.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
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The juries will hate its repetitive qualities, but the public will embrace its deep, profound, abiding grooviness.—
Glen Weldon,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Researchers from Fukushima University and Hirosaki University analyzed DNA samples from the mutant animals and discovered that the offspring inherited key reproductive traits from domestic pigs.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
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The Lego form allows other versions of these characters to be brought together and for their unifying personality and traits to come out.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
22 May 2026
Noun
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The fabric itself feels thick and slightly suctioning, working with the body rather than suppressing your best attributes.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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To come up with its list, World Atlas evaluated towns across the country for attributes such as friendly locals, high community spirit, local institutions (such as staple neighborhood restaurants), and special events, singling out a dozen for their welcoming vibes.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Rather than targeting flavors, the FDA said its new enforcement approach will focus on vapes with specific youth-appealing features, such as designs that resemble children’s toys.—
Matthew Perrone,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
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They're designed with races in mind and lack many safety features that come with passenger cars built by automakers for typical driving.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
23 May 2026
Noun
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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
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This post was corrected on 21 January 2021 to clarify attributions.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
12 Jan. 2021
Noun
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However, the restrictions were amended in 2024 to permit select athletes to compete under authorized neutral criteria, though many critics argued the criteria were inconsistently enforced.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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To top the list, a place must earn high scores in criteria such as affordability, desirability, and quality of life, which encompass factors like healthcare, infrastructure, and education.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characteristics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristics. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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