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
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 characterized
Afterward, a student in the audience complained to his parents that, at the event, the deaths of Palestinian civilians had been characterized as collateral damage—a regrettable but unavoidable consequence of the battle against Hamas.
—
Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Venus, despite being similar to Earth in size and composition, has an extremely hostile environment characterized by dense carbon dioxide, thick sulfuric acid clouds, surface pressures around 90 bar, and temperatures exceeding 460°C.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Avinyó Petillant Blanc Like its French counterpart pétillant naturel, vi d’agulla is a Catalonian wine characterized by natural, fine bubbles.
—Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026
That message, closely aligned with how Trump has characterized his own legal battles, was also front and center in Paxton’s remarks at the Ronald Reagan dinner Friday night.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
The plays are characterized by their uncompromising portrayals of the Black experience and the playwright’s dexterity of language.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
It’s characterized by dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
Iranian state media has characterized the postponement as a retreat, and Iran’s parliament speaker denied any negotiations.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Nowhere is it characterized as a deadly, destructive war.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Venus, despite being similar to Earth in size and composition, has an extremely hostile environment characterized by dense carbon dioxide, thick sulfuric acid clouds, surface pressures around 90 bar, and temperatures exceeding 460°C.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Avinyó Petillant Blanc Like its French counterpart pétillant naturel, vi d’agulla is a Catalonian wine characterized by natural, fine bubbles.
—Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026
That message, closely aligned with how Trump has characterized his own legal battles, was also front and center in Paxton’s remarks at the Ronald Reagan dinner Friday night.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
The plays are characterized by their uncompromising portrayals of the Black experience and the playwright’s dexterity of language.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
It’s characterized by dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
Iranian state media has characterized the postponement as a retreat, and Iran’s parliament speaker denied any negotiations.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Nowhere is it characterized as a deadly, destructive war.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterized
Verb
-
The primary suite is described as storage-rich and spa-like, with multiple closets and a bath built for lingering.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The clip, shared by her owner, shows the golden retriever—now named Kaiko—settling into a bedroom on what was described as her very first night living indoors.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
These entry-level workstations come in two sizes, the Dell Pro Precision 5 Series 14S and the Dell Pro Precision 5 Series 16S, easily distinguished by the 14- and 16-inch display options.—
Brian Westover,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
-
What distinguished Fetchit from many of his contemporaries was his gift for self-promotion.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The special, which was filmed in front of a live studio audience, featured an in-depth interview with star Miley Cyrus, and came twenty years to the day that the pop star portrayed the alter ego blonde musician on Disney Channel.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
-
But defense attorneys argued the protests weren’t as peaceful as plaintiffs’ attorneys portrayed, that officers’ actions were justified, and that the individual officers named in the suit should be entitled to public official immunity and dismissed from the lawsuit.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That was evident Friday as the club marked the 34th Opening Day (albeit night this time) in franchise history.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 marked a turning point in modern tribal history.—
Cody J Martinez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Though global attention has shifted, daily life in Ukraine remains defined by uncertainty.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Sets by Illenium, Steve Aoki, BZRP, Vintage Culture, Armin Van Buuren, Alesso, Martin Garrix, Eric Prydz, Sara Landry, Major Lazer and others highlight a night defined by big production and packed audiences.—
Miami Herald newsroom,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterized. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
