1
as in describes
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 distinguishes
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterizes
Tozal characterizes the neighborhood response to the redesign of Archer as universally negative, but there have been many weeks when supporters have outnumbered opponents during the protests.
—
Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
What is a greater hit against a presidential administration that characterizes itself as the party of family values than marrying two people in love on stage?
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
The author argues this economic leverage represents the only meaningful way to hold the country accountable for what the author characterizes as federal overreach.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
After his almost one-year hiatus, the Puerto Rican artist makes his comeback with a suave Afrobeats that evokes romanticism and desire—a shift from the flirty reggaetón sound that best characterizes him.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump’s domestic political gift is the feral instinct for weakness that characterizes most authoritarians.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
As a coach, Armas, 53, characterizes himself as patient but demanding.
—Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Coach has never been one to miss an opportunity for self-aggrandizement, and this quote effectively characterizes his three previous Survivor appearances not as failures but as bold attempts to tame a raging sea.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
What is a greater hit against a presidential administration that characterizes itself as the party of family values than marrying two people in love on stage?
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
The author argues this economic leverage represents the only meaningful way to hold the country accountable for what the author characterizes as federal overreach.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
After his almost one-year hiatus, the Puerto Rican artist makes his comeback with a suave Afrobeats that evokes romanticism and desire—a shift from the flirty reggaetón sound that best characterizes him.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump’s domestic political gift is the feral instinct for weakness that characterizes most authoritarians.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
As a coach, Armas, 53, characterizes himself as patient but demanding.
—Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Coach has never been one to miss an opportunity for self-aggrandizement, and this quote effectively characterizes his three previous Survivor appearances not as failures but as bold attempts to tame a raging sea.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
-
Badenhausen describes the impact that the World Cup might have on his 2027 numbers (minimal) and what the schedule flip might mean (different things for different teams).—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
17 Feb. 2026
-
White describes Stephen in that instant as almost electrified by the realization.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
What distinguishes this generation is a willingness to blend registers.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
-
What most distinguishes you from your opponent(s)?—
Delores Rangel,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Non-pro Bastian Escobar plays the boy and Hugo Ramírez, also a non-pro, portrays his father.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Jones portrays the fierce warrior Prince Vlad of Wallachia, who goes on to become the mythical Dracula.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One song on Laughter in Summer defines Copeland’s evolution, both musical and spiritual.—
Matthew Blackwell,
Pitchfork,
17 Feb. 2026
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And while that certainly defines Isakov’s own brand, the resort reality is more complex than that.—
David G. Allan Feb 15,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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