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
Relevance
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
Conflicting views on standard practice McCann characterized his coordination with the city manager as routine.
—
Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Critics including Sacramento State students have at times characterized Wood as focused too closely on university athletics at the expense of academics, while Wood has repeatedly touted FBS promotion as a worthwhile investment.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026
The affordability crisis characterized by rising rents, stagnant wages and a shortage of affordable housing is driving instability, homelessness and longer commutes.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Trump has repeatedly characterized FEMA as ineffective and has pushed for states to have a larger role in disaster response.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
The jazz piano of Bill Evans was characterized by grace and poise, a lightness of touch yielding a plaintive depth of feeling, that belied a life beset with chaos and tragedy.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Malone characterized the opinion as providing a way for jails to avoid scrutiny and avoid responsibility for properly caring for inmates with serious medical conditions.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026
Fevurly characterized concerns about conditions at the prison before its closure as irrelevant to whether or not an injunction is appropriate.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Lots of Gray Tones Morris is eager to move past all of the gray tones that have characterized homes in recent years.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Critics including Sacramento State students have at times characterized Wood as focused too closely on university athletics at the expense of academics, while Wood has repeatedly touted FBS promotion as a worthwhile investment.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026
The affordability crisis characterized by rising rents, stagnant wages and a shortage of affordable housing is driving instability, homelessness and longer commutes.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Trump has repeatedly characterized FEMA as ineffective and has pushed for states to have a larger role in disaster response.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
The jazz piano of Bill Evans was characterized by grace and poise, a lightness of touch yielding a plaintive depth of feeling, that belied a life beset with chaos and tragedy.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Malone characterized the opinion as providing a way for jails to avoid scrutiny and avoid responsibility for properly caring for inmates with serious medical conditions.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026
Fevurly characterized concerns about conditions at the prison before its closure as irrelevant to whether or not an injunction is appropriate.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Lots of Gray Tones Morris is eager to move past all of the gray tones that have characterized homes in recent years.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterized
Verb
-
The 30-year-old Somali American, who also co-owns a Mediterranean restaurant in the same area experiencing similar economic tribulations, described his coffee shops as local melting pots for Muslims and non-Muslims, East Africans and White people.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But one person familiar with the decisions told Semafor that at least one executive from a company described by the survey had reached out to multiple outlets asking for the pieces to be taken down, arguing that the survey data was faulty and biased.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Throughout their 52 years in operation as a family business, Elizabeth’s distinguished itself by honing concise and persuasive staff recommendations.—
Jess deCourcy Hinds
February 13,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Many variants of the body exist, the most flamboyant is the 202 MM, designed for the 1947 racing season and distinguished by two tail fins worthy of the fanciest guppy.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In vacating the life prison term in 2024, Cook County Judge Marc Martin found in part that Modrowski had been unfairly portrayed as emotionless and cold during his 1995 trial and sentencing proceedings when the characteristics were likely due to his autism.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
North Carolina legislators accurately portrayed a gap between how many people Immigration and Customs Enforcement picked up from Mecklenburg and Wake County jails through much of 2025.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In Contreras de Rondon’s case, there appear to be marked differences in the signatures on the document certifying her notice to appear and on her arrest warrant, though the same officer’s name is listed on both.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The first part of the film is marked by Bouzid’s documentation of the rituals of death.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The exercises that build a strong, defined back A balanced routine that includes strength training, cardio, and mobility can improve everything from daily function to athletic performance, while also shaping muscle over time.—
Ciara Lucas,
SELF,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Boatneck tops are defined by wide, shallow necklines that graze the collarbone, creating a flattering, elongating effect.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterized. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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