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
The second is the paroxysmal phase, characterized by a sudden, episodic increase of symptoms, especially cough, and can last six weeks.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Stat! Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking movements, typically in hand, but sometimes the head, voice and legs.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon which is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to characterize the sudden change in policy as part of a grand negotiating strategy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Stat! Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking movements, typically in hand, but sometimes the head, voice and legs.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon which is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to characterize the sudden change in policy as part of a grand negotiating strategy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Born in Naples, his songs are described as a blend of Neapolitan, blues, jazz and world music.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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The problem described in the lawsuit is that even for domestic travel, if a driver's license and passport identify a person by different sexes, Transportation Security Administration officials accuse the person of holding a fraudulent document.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s letter noted that the one-year term of vehicle leases is often the result of state statutes or rules that distinguish a vehicle lease from a rental for sales tax purposes and set the minimum term for a lease at one year.—
Marie Sapirie,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Loveland’s ability to separate from defenders is what distinguished him.—
Adam Jahns,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2025
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This hiatus was reportedly attributed to an injury sustained by Bo Dallas, who portrays the Uncle Howdy character, as WWE had specific creative plans in place for the entire group.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And what will define a successful correspondents' dinner for the Hilton?—
Major Garrett,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
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So, how exactly do brands arrive at the perfect shade to define the year ahead?—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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