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
Other weirdness characterizes the city’s plan beginning with the decision to put a tourism agency, Choose Chicago, in charge.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Even preschoolers there are taught to spot the online disinformation that characterizes 21st-century hybrid warfare.
—Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026
From the Cold War to the hostage crisis, Matin-Asgari characterizes the countries’ long relationship as a matrix of intrigue and influence.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
The tech entrepreneur, who founded a fitness app and a financial management platform catering to young and wealthy customers, also characterizes Khanna’s stock trading as hypocritical since the congressman campaigns on easing inequality.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Although the government characterizes him as a drug dealer with terrorist ties, he was not charged with any such activities.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
Record theater-signing years in both Japan and Australia, new agreements in Germany – long a dormant territory – and multiple deals in France all contributed to what Dolci characterizes as a much more diverse and resilient growth engine.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
And Stu lays the groundwork for the legacy of second-tier killers that characterizes the bottom half of this list.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
This focus on employee well-being reflects his respect for individual dignity that characterizes his patient care philosophy.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Even preschoolers there are taught to spot the online disinformation that characterizes 21st-century hybrid warfare.
—Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026
From the Cold War to the hostage crisis, Matin-Asgari characterizes the countries’ long relationship as a matrix of intrigue and influence.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
The tech entrepreneur, who founded a fitness app and a financial management platform catering to young and wealthy customers, also characterizes Khanna’s stock trading as hypocritical since the congressman campaigns on easing inequality.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Although the government characterizes him as a drug dealer with terrorist ties, he was not charged with any such activities.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
Record theater-signing years in both Japan and Australia, new agreements in Germany – long a dormant territory – and multiple deals in France all contributed to what Dolci characterizes as a much more diverse and resilient growth engine.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
And Stu lays the groundwork for the legacy of second-tier killers that characterizes the bottom half of this list.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
This focus on employee well-being reflects his respect for individual dignity that characterizes his patient care philosophy.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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The post, shared by Reddit user No-Street-6651, describes a multi-stage interview process that included three rounds of interviews and a detailed six-page project for a marketing brand manager position.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Bourne is the chair of the Yolo County’s chapter of Moms for Liberty, a nonprofit that describes itself as advocating for parental rights.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Nothing much right now distinguishes us from the third world.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But what distinguishes Hers hair growth from other treatments?—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The film also marks the screen debut of Mark Merphy, who portrays Nelson as a young man in flashback.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Playing alongside Clarence Muse, who portrays a tenant farmer, Fetchit was cast as the clichéd buffoon, lazy and happy-go-lucky.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The kind that defines his game.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Among them have been intrepid, talented chefs, undeterred by the cold, who have slowly but surely created a remarkably diverse food scene, using the agricultural bounty that defines the region.—
David Farley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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