1
as in to describe
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterize
Rather than a top-down approach, this type of activism is characterized by starting at the local level in response to the needs of the community.
—
Leslie Hoyle Guerra, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Stewart has characterized the film as a lyrical battle cry, designed to be a visceral experience for the audience that mirrors the subconscious ways memory lives within the human body.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
The clashes have since descended into an all-out civil war, characterized by ethnic violence, attacks on civilians and atrocities committed by all sides, according to humanitarian groups and foreign governments.
—Byguy Davies, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026
Capping a year characterized by mass layoffs, the federal government added 2,000 jobs.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Leslie Hoyle Guerra, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Stewart has characterized the film as a lyrical battle cry, designed to be a visceral experience for the audience that mirrors the subconscious ways memory lives within the human body.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
The clashes have since descended into an all-out civil war, characterized by ethnic violence, attacks on civilians and atrocities committed by all sides, according to humanitarian groups and foreign governments.
—Byguy Davies, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026
Capping a year characterized by mass layoffs, the federal government added 2,000 jobs.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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After he was arrested in August 2023, Wei was asked by FBI investigators to describe his actions involving the Chinese intelligence agent.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Words can't describe how much he's done for me and all the other players.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Scott has distinguished herself among the biggest individual donors by giving large, unrestricted gifts to nonprofits, often with a focus on equity or social justice.—
Thalia Beaty,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Still, his is not a name that the average person might distinguish from the reindeer.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Later that year, Ewing would first appear as Thad in the third installment of season 11 and would go on to portray the young deputy and handyman for 50 episodes until September 1967.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Newsom portrayed California as a dominant force in the global economy and vanguard of the technology and entertainment sectors during his final State of the State address on Thursday.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Davis’ injury is the latest — and potentially most damaging — blow in a Mavericks season defined by attrition.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Jan. 2026
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While its character may be defined by its history—ask the staff about its connections to Jackie O and George Washington—the inn embraces all of the modern comforts.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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