characterizes

present tense third-person singular of characterize
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

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 characterizes Fortescue characterizes Aston’s stance as a minority opinion. — Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 In a defense memo, Pattis characterizes Diamantis as a broken and financially ruined former politician and lawyer who at 70 might not survive a long prison sentence. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026 The same patchwork that characterizes the languages and architecture of the city can also be seen in its class structure. — Benjamin Moser, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2026 Foam conjures the fragile sturdiness that characterizes both Hesse’s sculpture and Zambreno’s own vacillation between precarity and privilege. — Catherine G. Wagley, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The research characterizes the industry as roughly two years behind travelers in adoption. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Pragmatism characterizes Taiwan’s approach to mainland China. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Many of the visions emerging out of Silicon Valley have been lifted wholesale from science fiction, but without the critical awareness that characterizes the genre — and without genuine openness to the unfamiliar. — Carline Tromp, The Dial, 18 Aug. 2026 Lou Reed modeled the sort of petulant sing-talking that characterizes her verses. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
  • The closing text describes the search for the Unabomber as the longest and most expensive manhunt in FBI history.
    — Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Navy’s announcement describes the W93 warhead and Mk7 reentry body as a combined program.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than simply detecting physical obstacles, the system distinguishes between different types of messes and household objects to optimize cleaning strategies.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Its glass construction also distinguishes it from many inexpensive plastic touchpads.
    — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Ahmady portrays Daisy as a playful spirit, a bored young mother who throws herself into new adventures and is unconflicted when her actions happen to hurt others.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Hathaway told The Hollywood Reporter at the Verity New York premiere on Tuesday night (Dvorovenko portrays Verity’s caretaker, Anna).
    — Michaela Zee, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Mayo Clinic defines the mental health condition as typically marked by hallucinations, delusions, depression, and mania.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The former shoe, which lacks the gel Swoosh on its profile that defines the latter, was originally designed with Scottie Pippen in mind.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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