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
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
Home to 12 tracks, the set is a explosion of rhythms that navigates from merengue to cumbia to soca music, without losing touch of that reggaetón and perreo DNA that best characterizes who Justin and Lenny are as artists.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2026
Tozal characterizes the neighborhood response to the redesign of Archer as universally negative, but there have been many weeks when supporters have outnumbered opponents during the protests.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
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
Home to 12 tracks, the set is a explosion of rhythms that navigates from merengue to cumbia to soca music, without losing touch of that reggaetón and perreo DNA that best characterizes who Justin and Lenny are as artists.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2026
Tozal characterizes the neighborhood response to the redesign of Archer as universally negative, but there have been many weeks when supporters have outnumbered opponents during the protests.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
-
Gourd-Mercado describes it as an exploration of the future of storytelling for Palestinian filmmakers — those based in Gaza, those in the diaspora, those born elsewhere but shaped by their identity.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Breakout voice skips the commentary Parnas, who describes himself as an independent reporter, had a breakout year in 2025.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Set in soggy coastal England, Broadchurch distinguishes itself from many similar series through the titular community’s witty cast of characters.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Merz Therapeutics, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, distinguishes itself through scientific expertise, manufacturing excellence, and a strong commitment to education and sustainability.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
So the scientific jury is out on how Hoppers portrays consciousness as transferrable.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The exterior of the Freedom Express portrays 10 key moments in American history from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the Apollo 11 moon landing.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Across all nine episodes, Malone’s soundtrack threads together the romance, friction, and tragedy that defines the story of one of the 1990s’ most talked-about couples.—
Riann Phillip,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
-
That foundation becomes the constraint that defines what can be scaled and what cannot.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
