Definition of characterizenext
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?

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2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of characterize Strada’s website characterizes the candidate as a successful businessman. Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Lin—known as Sequoia’s lead backer of DoorDash, Airbnb, Citadel Securities, and Reddit—said that he’s drawn to industries characterized by regulatory capture, and that Bunkerhill fits squarely in that paradigm. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Google acknowledges that regulators are open to adjusting the rules, but Walker still characterizes this ruling as a threat to privacy, business trade secrets, and even national security. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 Caused by the Cyclospora parasite, cyclosporiasis is characterized by severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
  • Fars described the sites as a forward headquarters for US Central Command’s land forces.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The first victim — identified Wednesday by the medical examiner as 79-year-old Clifford Boisa of Sutter County — has been described in news reports as the boat captain’s brother.
    Michael McGough Updated July 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Sugar acts like each cell’s own personal crest, helping to distinguish them from each other.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Clinical psychologist Willoughby Britton distinguishes between temporary distress and experiences that negatively affect daily functioning.
    Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • For the cover of the July 27, 2026, issue, the artist Marcellus Hall portrayed the effect that global warming has on subway riders.
    Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • The Modi government has portrayed the demonstrators as villains.
    Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • The article posits these are the first public votes in a critical referendum, urging everyone to consciously define AI's boundaries in their work and personal lives.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Rather than building every lavish living room and sweeping residence on a soundstage, productions often turn to real-life properties that help define their characters and set the tone.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 July 2026

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“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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