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
To say much more would be to spoil the twisted twists of the plot, in which the director finally applies his affinity for mounting dread to a bona fide horror movie — albeit one characterized by the off-kilter black humor that had become his speciality by that point.
—
A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Signature Neighborhoods feature a range of designs—from elegant townhomes to spacious one- and two-story residences—that reflect a contemporary Western aesthetic characterized by the generous use of stone, wood, and other natural materials in addition to open floor plans and spectacular views.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is characterized by open-mouth breathing.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
One of the sources characterized Thursday's flights as another show of force similar to the one last week in which three B-52 bombers flew from their base in Louisiana and flew operations about 90 miles north of Venezuela.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Signature Neighborhoods feature a range of designs—from elegant townhomes to spacious one- and two-story residences—that reflect a contemporary Western aesthetic characterized by the generous use of stone, wood, and other natural materials in addition to open floor plans and spectacular views.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is characterized by open-mouth breathing.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
One of the sources characterized Thursday's flights as another show of force similar to the one last week in which three B-52 bombers flew from their base in Louisiana and flew operations about 90 miles north of Venezuela.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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If so, Scoresby unwittingly described the effects of a shift in the quantity of solar radiation that reached Earth’s surface.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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On August 22, she was attacked while on a Charlotte light train in what police described as an unprovoked stabbing.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Here the AfDB could play the role of truth-teller, helping its members distinguish between credible, fit-for-purpose nuclear ambitions and fantasy.—
W. Gyude Moore,
semafor.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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Imax has benefited in recent years as audiences opt for premium large formats to distinguish the out-of-the-home moviegoing experience.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Pennywise has now been portrayed in a miniseries, two films, and now series, but only by two actors.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
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Prettejohn portrayed a young Princess Elizabeth in the sixth season of Netflix’s The Crown and will next be seen in the musical drama The Testament of Ann Lee from The Brutalist scribe Mona Fastvold, which premiered in Venice ahead of a Christmas Day release.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The fallout from all this has defined an especially dramatic week in Spanish football.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Its artistic yet pragmatic nature also defines Valladolid’s role as a place of discovery platform, a prestige auteurs’ hub just weeks after San Sebastián — and a bridge for awards-season exposure.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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