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
Trump and his cabinet members have repeatedly characterized Khalil’s advocacy as antisemitic and inherently supportive of Hamas, though several of their efforts to target other international students critical of Israel have been blocked by the courts.
—
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Many scholars would characterize their romance as the most consequential relationship of his life — and the origin of The Great Gatsby.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 5 June 2025
Migraine is a condition characterized by attacks that last from hours to days, with symptoms that are different for everyone.3
One of the most common symptoms of a migraine attack is moderate to severe throbbing pain that's typically only on one side of the head.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
The outline of the initial report — a contract extension for Crow-Armstrong potentially worth around $75 million — has been characterized as inaccurate.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Many scholars would characterize their romance as the most consequential relationship of his life — and the origin of The Great Gatsby.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 5 June 2025
Migraine is a condition characterized by attacks that last from hours to days, with symptoms that are different for everyone.3
One of the most common symptoms of a migraine attack is moderate to severe throbbing pain that's typically only on one side of the head.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
The outline of the initial report — a contract extension for Crow-Armstrong potentially worth around $75 million — has been characterized as inaccurate.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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And he was forever struck by the example of Peter’s family encouraging and challenging him — an approach that enabled Peter to work and ski and fish and live what Reid described as a normal life.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
6 June 2025
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Marcos Lopez, sheriff of Osceola County, Fla., was jailed in nearby Lake County on suspicion of racketeering and conspiracy as part of what state authorities described as a probe into an expansive gambling operation.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The headaches typically occur on the same side as the tumor or cyst and can be challenging for healthcare providers to distinguish from a true headache disorder.6 What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Migraine?—
Cathy Nelson,
Verywell Health,
3 June 2025
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Thus, Israel’s defense establishment formulated a war concept that distinguished between terrorists and the civilian population in Gaza and strived to cause significant damage to Hamas, even if not to destroy every last Hamas fighter.—
Assaf Orion,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Tony Martinez as Pepino Garcia Tony Martinez portrayed Pepino, the McCoys’ farmhand who often served as comic relief.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
31 May 2025
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According to Salvador, Maje portrayed herself as a victim of psychological and physical abuse.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Clean lines, classic shapes and unexpected edges define Jade Ruzzo jewels.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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This was bricolage in the mode of postmodernism, to use a term that Jencks had a leading role in propagating, defining it in multiple competing and overlapping (some would say maddening) ways.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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