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?
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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
His appearance could be characterized as Jesus with stronger jawline.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2025
In an essay published in Vogue, longtime magazine editor Anna Wintour characterized Armani as a steely, dedicated and, above all, innovative force in the fashion industry.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
In a 69-page ruling, Judge Edward Chen of the Northern District of California characterized the decision of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end TPS for Haiti and Venezuela as capricious, arbitrary and beyond the scope of her authority.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
In New York, Cuomo has characterized Mamdani’s separation from national DSA as phony and convenient.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.
—AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Freed him from ego, from fear, from the inability or unwillingness to act that characterized the early Union generals.
—Jack Sheehan
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
It’s characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Some senators characterized Miran’s nomination as ironic.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2025
In an essay published in Vogue, longtime magazine editor Anna Wintour characterized Armani as a steely, dedicated and, above all, innovative force in the fashion industry.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
In a 69-page ruling, Judge Edward Chen of the Northern District of California characterized the decision of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end TPS for Haiti and Venezuela as capricious, arbitrary and beyond the scope of her authority.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
In New York, Cuomo has characterized Mamdani’s separation from national DSA as phony and convenient.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.
—AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Freed him from ego, from fear, from the inability or unwillingness to act that characterized the early Union generals.
—Jack Sheehan
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
It’s characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Some senators characterized Miran’s nomination as ironic.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterized
Verb
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Several chefs described the event as a week of camaraderie.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
An initial alert from the campus described a potential suspect as a white man, about 6 feet tall, and wearing black pants.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Office attire distinguished our professional identity from our personal one.—
Nirit Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Founded by architect Paul McClean in 2000, the firm has distinguished itself with its impressive residential designs around the world, from a mountain home set in the rocky landscape of Whistler to a Hollywood Hills haven overlooking the city.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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He was often portrayed as a DOGE patsy, perhaps even a fool.—
Eli Hager,
ProPublica,
8 Sep. 2025
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Mark-Paul Gosselaar portrayed Peter Bash, the more grounded and level-headed half of the Franklin & Bash duo.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Carey's appearance marked her first time at the VMAs in 20 years.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Tonight marked Doja Cat’s third VMAs performance.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Out went a goalkeeper defined by his reflexes and shot-stopping heroics and in came one to reshape the way United would both defend and attack.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Delivered to a high standard by Thales’s international team, in close collaboration with industry partners, this achievement showcases the quality, openness, and technical expertise that have defined Thales’s approach to the Type 31 delivery – earning praise from the Royal Navy.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterized. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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