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

Relevance
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 Strada’s website characterizes the candidate as a successful businessman. Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Google acknowledges that regulators are open to adjusting the rules, but Walker still characterizes this ruling as a threat to privacy, business trade secrets, and even national security. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 Resilience characterizes many young basketball players at SCC Dixon said. Nicole Gregory, Oc Register, 25 June 2026 Under that view, a taxpayer who actively participates in management should not receive the benefit simply because state law characterizes the interest as a limited partnership interest. Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 The network characterizes the request for edits as something that should be happening in the newsroom. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 June 2026 Near the end of the play, Majok’s script becomes, like Mann’s score, flatter and broader in its messaging, losing some of its sharpness of observation, and the humor that characterizes Kaysen’s memoir fades. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026 While the blood-brain barrier may be unfamiliar to many, Papapetropoulos characterizes it simply as the brain’s security system. Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 June 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
  • Menelaus describes how the men, stacked on top of each other amid stiflingly hot conditions, also had to urinate and defecate on one another.
    David Mack, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • In the interview, Artem describes the planning and execution of the assault, while the accompanying video features footage of the operation.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead, 81% of those surveyed say the driving experience itself—including comfort, performance, and intuitive technology—is what really distinguishes a vehicle; only 19% point to the badge on the hood.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Of course, in the new museum facility, our program will evolve, building on what distinguishes our offerings.
    Leslie Anderson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Anne Hathaway portrays his loyal wife Penelope, while Tom Holland makes his Nolan debut as their son, Telemachus.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Sixteen years later in The Odyssey, Page portrays the Greek soldier Sinon.
    Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Anna’s guess comes closest, and Ify’s is furthest, which Sam punctuates via the first instance of the song that defines this episode.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Each institution defines direct deposit differently, but paychecks, pension payments and government benefits are all typically accepted.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 14 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on characterizes

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster