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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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As Mark describes his strategies, his reflections quickly outleap the specifics of the sport and take on a philosophical dimension.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Yep, that describes the Giants for most of the summer, all right.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Loft distinguishes itself with a private spa, comprising a splash pool, sauna, and steam room.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
28 Sep. 2025
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That performance distinguishes traditional tube artillery and the HIMARS rocket battery system.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On the series, Galligan portrays Lady Olivia Hedges-White, a real-life aristocrat from a once-prominent family.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Sep. 2025
-
DiCaprio portrays the character as someone who is both actively trying to be progressive but also frustrated by his limitations.—
Richard Newby,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There is also the matter of landing accuracy, typically described as a landing ellipse, or the elliptical area on a planetary surface that defines the range of possible touchdown spots for a spacecraft.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The law defines catastrophic risk narrowly as incidents potentially causing 50+ deaths or $1 billion in damage through weapons assistance, autonomous criminal acts, or loss of control.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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