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
Both predictions say El Niño, a recurring climate pattern that is characterized by warmer than normal water is to explain for a slower season.
—
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
For one thing, Augusta has never been the sort of place that can be characterized as a hotbed of forward thinking.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The current geopolitical climate is characterized by fragmentation, sanctions regimes, and strategic rivalry.
—Guy Vernet, STAT, 9 Apr. 2026
The Bronze age in China was thus not only characterized by its bronze tools and weaponry, but by its advanced social and political structures.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
For one thing, Augusta has never been the sort of place that can be characterized as a hotbed of forward thinking.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
The current geopolitical climate is characterized by fragmentation, sanctions regimes, and strategic rivalry.
—Guy Vernet, STAT, 9 Apr. 2026
The Bronze age in China was thus not only characterized by its bronze tools and weaponry, but by its advanced social and political structures.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
-
Former clients described Motta encouraging people to get surgeries, and others discussed one particularly shameless episode in which a large church van, crammed with prospective plaintiffs, intentionally collided with a truck.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
They were described as an elderly couple, the CHP said.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Romvari’s images are distinguished by their dual sense of logical efficacy and aesthetic loft.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Experts emphasize the importance of distinguishing between a true buffalo hump and other conditions.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Michael's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays his uncle in his acting debut.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Jordan pointed to the format of the show, which starts as the star portraying himself before moving into the 1950s and ’60s to tell Darin’s story.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His death marked the loss of a titan in the Civil Rights Movement, defined by a six-decade career that took him across the country and around the world.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
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These players have partly defined this season, and they won’t be honored?—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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