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
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
Sure, rum is often identified with the sunny beaches and tropical climate that characterizes most of its places of origin.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 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
Bondi’s letter sent to Wu last week characterizes Boston’s sanctuary policies as a threat to national security.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
These would be machines that would have the capability to scheme and plot and plan, but without the kind of consciousness that characterizes human ability to do this.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2025
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon characterizes the university protests as antisemitic harassment against Jewish students, alleging violation of Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025
Watson explained that the team component that characterizes LIV Golf has won him over.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
Sure, rum is often identified with the sunny beaches and tropical climate that characterizes most of its places of origin.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 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
Bondi’s letter sent to Wu last week characterizes Boston’s sanctuary policies as a threat to national security.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
These would be machines that would have the capability to scheme and plot and plan, but without the kind of consciousness that characterizes human ability to do this.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2025
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon characterizes the university protests as antisemitic harassment against Jewish students, alleging violation of Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025
Watson explained that the team component that characterizes LIV Golf has won him over.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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Ruzzin describes working in design as rarified, more difficult to obtain than becoming a professional football player in the NFL.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
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The fundraiser for Sophia, which describes her as a bright and kind young girl, has raised nearly $700,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.—
Janelle Griffith,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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El Secreto de Rosita distinguishes itself from nearby competitors by housing Nabiha, a separate restaurant dedicated to serving Palestinian cuisine.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Sep. 2025
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The comma also distinguishes how an ingredient is measured.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Stefania D'Alessandro/WireImage What To Know In The Smashing Machine, Johnson portrays Kerr, the two-time UFC heavyweight tournament winner whose career and life in the late 1990s included both ring success and struggles with painkiller addiction.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
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The Disneyland show portrays Disney in his office, sharing a bit about his life and stories from the past.—
Megan duBois,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The study defines the sandwich generation as adults who have at least one child under 18 and a living parent—which is around one in four Americans.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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No one game defines a season, no one loss defines a career.—
Don Yaeger,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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