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
As such, Netflix has characterized the third season of the hit show, which stars Charlie Hunnam in the titular role, as its most harrowing yet, but director and co-showrunner Max Winkler doesn't agree with that characterization.
—
Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
Other industry sources characterize consumers as more value and deal-oriented than ever, focused on essentials and experiences, and less on discretionary items, yet resilient in their spending behavior.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
While on the campaign trail, Mazuera Arias said opponents characterized him as anti-development and anti-business.
—Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the condition is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the skeletal muscles, including weakness and stiffness, abnormal bone development and joints that become fixed in bent or extended positions.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
Other industry sources characterize consumers as more value and deal-oriented than ever, focused on essentials and experiences, and less on discretionary items, yet resilient in their spending behavior.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
While on the campaign trail, Mazuera Arias said opponents characterized him as anti-development and anti-business.
—Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the condition is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the skeletal muscles, including weakness and stiffness, abnormal bone development and joints that become fixed in bent or extended positions.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan used another adjective to describe Dowdle’s running style.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Police described Taylor as a Black male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Gaza Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, has tallied more than 66,000 deaths from Israel’s military operations, though that total does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Oct. 2025
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And investors have a hard time in the middle of this excitement, distinguishing between the good ideas and the bad ideas.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The White House has also continued to troll House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with AI videos portraying Jeffries in a sombrero and fake mustache.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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In the musical, Levy portrays Mother, the matriarch of a wealthy white family, who discovers her self-confidence and independence.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Her characters are cast to record an audio adaptation of a wildly popular vampire romance series that defined their teenage years, just like The Twilight Saga defined hers.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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The planning commission accepted the recommendation, with a small modification related to how medical clinics are defined in the Land Development Code.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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