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
In the days following the podcast appearance, the author shared a parody by British satirist Intel Lady that characterizes Watson as contradictory and fame-hungry.
—
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
But what characterizes this style?
—Irene Reyes, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
The documentary characterizes this apparent persecution of Mosby as part of the same beast keeping Syed in prison.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
South Africa characterizes its foreign policy as one of active nonalignment.
—Michelle Gavin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2025
Davey characterizes the Longbow strategy as flexible.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
The title that has become attached to the painting over time curiously characterizes the Virgin Mary by the fruit, perhaps in recognition of her chastity, especially when considered in the context of Persephone’s myth.
—Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
The bathroom reflects the same aesthetics and functional balance that characterizes the rest of the apartment.
—Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2025
The result is a melodic and atmospheric piece based on a hip-hop aesthetic with the romantic touch that characterizes Meme’s lyrics.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
But what characterizes this style?
—Irene Reyes, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
The documentary characterizes this apparent persecution of Mosby as part of the same beast keeping Syed in prison.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
South Africa characterizes its foreign policy as one of active nonalignment.
—Michelle Gavin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2025
Davey characterizes the Longbow strategy as flexible.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
The title that has become attached to the painting over time curiously characterizes the Virgin Mary by the fruit, perhaps in recognition of her chastity, especially when considered in the context of Persephone’s myth.
—Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
The bathroom reflects the same aesthetics and functional balance that characterizes the rest of the apartment.
—Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2025
The result is a melodic and atmospheric piece based on a hip-hop aesthetic with the romantic touch that characterizes Meme’s lyrics.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
-
That is exactly how Google describes the tool in Gemini.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Tomlinson, who went on to spend parts of four seasons in the NHL, describes Sullivan as a team-first, selfless player.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This ability for the minority to filibuster to block legislation is one of the biggest things that distinguishes the Senate from the House of Representatives.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
12 Oct. 2025
-
This line distinguishes volcanic islands by their structure and the composition of their lava.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Shot with both lyrical intimacy and bursts of vibrant energy, the film portrays the quiet revolution of a boy refusing to surrender his identity.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Norris portrays the cunning and relentless Chief Dennison, with Tripp as Liz Bradley, a border patrol agent with a true-north moral compass, in her first major film role.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Take a peak behind the glam as this Black Queer artist defines her art, her way, in her own words.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Her connection to the city is a large part of what defines her.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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