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
The quiet interiors — defined by the revamp the stately building has undergone in the ‘50s — is characterized by an understated palette of neutral stone flooring and wooden furnishings, which were developed reusing existing materials.
—
Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
The new animals, which also include three new gecko species, are still being formally named and characterized.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
In a statement Sunday, airport CEO Phil Washington characterized the person who was killed as a trespasser.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 10 May 2026
These starburst regions are characterized by exceptionally high rates of star formation, making M77 a dynamic and evolving galaxy.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
The juntas can broadly be characterized as pan-Africanist, according to Riboua, with much of their propaganda being centered on grievances against France.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
The American South has a rich and complex history that is layered with difficult social structures and racial tensions, yet also characterized by hospitality, indulgent and flavorful food, and diverse people and places.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
Trump officials and a large number of Republicans characterized the image as an incitement of violence against the President.
—Richard Hall, Time, 10 May 2026
The investigation into the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart has been characterized by decades of critical questions, starting with the whereabouts of her remains.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
The new animals, which also include three new gecko species, are still being formally named and characterized.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
In a statement Sunday, airport CEO Phil Washington characterized the person who was killed as a trespasser.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 10 May 2026
These starburst regions are characterized by exceptionally high rates of star formation, making M77 a dynamic and evolving galaxy.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
The juntas can broadly be characterized as pan-Africanist, according to Riboua, with much of their propaganda being centered on grievances against France.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
The American South has a rich and complex history that is layered with difficult social structures and racial tensions, yet also characterized by hospitality, indulgent and flavorful food, and diverse people and places.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
Trump officials and a large number of Republicans characterized the image as an incitement of violence against the President.
—Richard Hall, Time, 10 May 2026
The investigation into the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart has been characterized by decades of critical questions, starting with the whereabouts of her remains.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterized
Verb
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By the time officers arrived, the situation had escalated into what officials described as an active shooter incident, with the suspect walking down the middle of Memorial Drive and firing in an erratic manner as traffic came to a halt.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
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Taylor denied medical care, food during detention For the first time, Taylor described conditions inside the Stewart Detention Center in his own words.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Thom Sweeney Pebble Grain Leather Brogue Shoes Thom Sweeney tapped Crockett & Jones to make its brogue, which is distinguished by a pebble grain leather upper and a lightweight Vibram lugged sole.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
4 May 2026
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Cannabis is the umbrella term for the plant genus that includes both marijuana and hemp – two varieties of the same plant distinguished primarily by their content of THC, one of the active components of cannabis.—
Carey S. Cadieux,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While Raman portrayed herself as the focus of attacks from both opponents, Bass’ campaign rejected that framing as a distraction from her debate performance and City Council record.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
8 May 2026
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The villain-combo movie would put the breathing-apparatus Batman baddie, Bane, back on screen for his first appearance since 2012’s Christopher Nolan-directed The Dark Knight Rises, then portrayed by Tom Hardy.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Last Saturday marked the fourth time this season the club lost a win or a tie after the 80th minute.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
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Michael Loria Friday marked the 70th day of an internet blackout being imposed by the regime in Iran on the country’s citizens, according to NetBlocks, an internet access watchdog.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Verb
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For a player whose career has always been defined by popularity, near-misses and unfinished major championship business, that’s more than enough to make the golf world pay attention again.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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The Emmys are supposed to identify and honor the TV that defined the previous year.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterized. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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