1
as in described
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 distinguished
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterized
Analysts and former diplomats told CNN that successive British governments have failed to strike the correct balance on China, resulting in a policy characterized by mistrust, skittishness and incoherence.
—
Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Analysts say the wealth surge is also reshaping cities and creating a kind of bubble culture, where the most affluent are increasingly leading ultra-exclusive lifestyles characterized by amenities like private resorts, tailored wellness services and VIP social clubs.
—Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Attorneys representing the federal government have characterized the state and local challenges as an attempt to thwart law enforcement and impede their federal duties.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2026
More profound bear markets, characterized by 70-80% declines, typically take 24-28 months to recover.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Last year marked a strong one for stock returns, despite a macroeconomic backdrop largely characterized by rising volatility amid escalating global tensions and a Federal Reserve rate cutting cycle.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Matthew Fox, the Golden Globe-winning star of Lost (2004–2010), will play Paul, who's characterized as an outdoorsman and self-reliant bachelor.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026
In June, voting members rejected the second assessment in a 229-166 vote, a move the lawsuit characterized as a loss of confidence in the board’s management.
—Chase Jordan
january 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
The park is headquartered in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which has been characterized as an amusement venue posing as a town.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Analysts say the wealth surge is also reshaping cities and creating a kind of bubble culture, where the most affluent are increasingly leading ultra-exclusive lifestyles characterized by amenities like private resorts, tailored wellness services and VIP social clubs.
—Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Attorneys representing the federal government have characterized the state and local challenges as an attempt to thwart law enforcement and impede their federal duties.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2026
More profound bear markets, characterized by 70-80% declines, typically take 24-28 months to recover.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Last year marked a strong one for stock returns, despite a macroeconomic backdrop largely characterized by rising volatility amid escalating global tensions and a Federal Reserve rate cutting cycle.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Matthew Fox, the Golden Globe-winning star of Lost (2004–2010), will play Paul, who's characterized as an outdoorsman and self-reliant bachelor.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026
In June, voting members rejected the second assessment in a 229-166 vote, a move the lawsuit characterized as a loss of confidence in the board’s management.
—Chase Jordan
january 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
The park is headquartered in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which has been characterized as an amusement venue posing as a town.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterized
Verb
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The suspect is described as a man about six feet tall, wearing a black hoodie and black pants.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Zar described the reopening as both joyful and reflective, acknowledging the emotional weight carried by families who lived through evacuation, loss, and uncertainty.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
It’s distinguished by terracotta roof shingles, off-white stucco walls and glass-block windows framed by palms and planter boxes.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The count distinguished between people living on the street and people living in shelters — both were counted as being homeless.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The British newspaper portrayed Rodríguez as a complex figure with personal quirks and an ability to build rapport, citing sources who described her interest in champagne, table tennis and informal interactions with foreign dignitaries.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
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In the wake of her parents’ separation, Lambert sketches the effects of divorce on children through the character of Pine’s daughter, delicately portrayed by Abby Ryder Fortson.—
Vanessa Franko,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Sharks are now 14-9-3 at home this season, and Friday’s game marked the team’s sixth sellout crowd in its last seven home games.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
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The game was only Parker’s fourth against San Diego Section competition and marked the first time the Lancers were pushed by a local team.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hudson’s makeup artist, Tonya Brewer, blurred her pores using a mattifying powder, volumized her lashes with a few swipes of a smudge-free mascara, defined her pout with a long-lasting lip liner, and more.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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The team overcoming those injuries defined the season.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterized. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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