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
Relevance
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
The Padres scored in the seventh because of another thing that characterizes the young Nationals, who are 28-28.
—
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
The conflation of multimodality and hypertextuality has been labeled hypermodality by researchers in order to highlight that the dynamic web of connectivity that characterizes hypertexts goes beyond monomodal texts with recurrent and recognizable characteristics.
—Carmen Daniela Maier, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
The couples who describe their relationship as genuinely easy — not without conflict, but without the grinding exhaustion that characterizes so many long-term partnerships — don’t tend to share the same hobbies or communication style.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
In the past couple of decades, however, Czernowin has deëmphasized the frantic gesturing that characterizes so much latter-day modernism.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Wilson’s approach to public life clearly has an element of what professional wrestlers call kayfabe—the winking, performative trollishness that now characterizes the online right.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
While the Journal characterizes the loss of funding as a death knell for the organization, LIV officials have been quick to point out that the league has been increasing its revenue this year.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
The conflation of multimodality and hypertextuality has been labeled hypermodality by researchers in order to highlight that the dynamic web of connectivity that characterizes hypertexts goes beyond monomodal texts with recurrent and recognizable characteristics.
—Carmen Daniela Maier, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
The couples who describe their relationship as genuinely easy — not without conflict, but without the grinding exhaustion that characterizes so many long-term partnerships — don’t tend to share the same hobbies or communication style.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
In the past couple of decades, however, Czernowin has deëmphasized the frantic gesturing that characterizes so much latter-day modernism.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Wilson’s approach to public life clearly has an element of what professional wrestlers call kayfabe—the winking, performative trollishness that now characterizes the online right.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
While the Journal characterizes the loss of funding as a death knell for the organization, LIV officials have been quick to point out that the league has been increasing its revenue this year.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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But Guidara describes how hospitality can be intentionally embedded into every element of the dining experience — from the greeting at the door to the pacing of a meal.—
Iyesatta Massaquoi Emeli,
STAT,
2 June 2026
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Waymo describes it as a more expansive cabin with extra legroom, a flat floor and a low step-in height.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Three Things That Define the Category Understanding what distinguishes a genuine moonshot company matters more now that the category has attracted imitators — organizations that have adopted the language of transformation without the underlying architecture.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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But much of what distinguishes it as the home of the Chiefs, from the GEHA Field sponsorship and other customary advertising to iconography including the Ring of Honor, will be muted.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Fung portrays the film’s male protagonist – a creator pushed to the edge by desperation and obsession – while Chau and Wu play his wife and former lover respectively.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 May 2026
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Holmgren’s world, the one Kenrich Williams portrays as well as the one reality relays, seems mostly jolly.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Verb
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And what do the fates of these men say about how and through whom the show defines audacity — a word that has two different interpretations and uses?—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2026
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The most effective family offices are those that use technology to enhance efficiency, improve transparency, and strengthen collaboration, while still maintaining the personal approach that defines this unique industry.—
Paul Westall,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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