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
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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 rich red shade on Rodrigo’s lips was the cherry on top of her punky aura, characterized by several outfit changes and black platform boots, perfect for stomping.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
This disorder usually affects cats 10 years or older, and is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, learning and spatial awareness.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
These large dark brown colored animals, characterized by a protruding shoulder hump, are social animals that often form herds, which appear to be directed by older females.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Jones and Figgs both won reelection this year, with the overall race characterized by political divisions.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
This disorder usually affects cats 10 years or older, and is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, learning and spatial awareness.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
These large dark brown colored animals, characterized by a protruding shoulder hump, are social animals that often form herds, which appear to be directed by older females.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Jones and Figgs both won reelection this year, with the overall race characterized by political divisions.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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The album name had been rattling around her brain for months, born out of years of experiences trying to find the right combination of words to describe her sound to other people, particularly the American media.—
Cat Cardenas,
Rolling Stone,
30 June 2025
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Leavitt described the facility's remote location in her briefing on Monday.—
Michelle Stoddart,
ABC News,
30 June 2025
Verb
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But protesters said President Trump’s decision is symbolic of America’s role in Israel’s broader retaliatory military campaign, one that’s killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.—
Lila Hempel-Edgers,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
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Lawyers are expected to distinguish between sound arguments and narcissistic wordplay.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Oh Ae-sun (played by K-pop superstar IU, who also portrays Ae-sun’s daughter Geum-myeong) is a poor but ambitious girl who grows up on South Korea’s Jeju Island in the 1950s and 1960s.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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The company aimed to portray someone overcoming obstacles to achieve their dream.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest Astronomical Tide or HAT.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2025
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Norton has long championed legislation to grant the District of Columbia full congressional representation and greater autonomy, a cause that has defined much of her tenure in the House.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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