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
While the Journal characterizes the loss of funding as a death knell for the organization, LIV officials have been quick to point out that the league has been increasing its revenue this year.
—
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
But the decision also characterizes the law as viewpoint discrimination (specifically here the desire to change someone’s LGBTQ+ identity), which is almost never allowed under the First Amendment.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
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
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
But the decision also characterizes the law as viewpoint discrimination (specifically here the desire to change someone’s LGBTQ+ identity), which is almost never allowed under the First Amendment.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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The new study used daily imagery, a change Seto describes like turning on a movie camera.—
Bree Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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The plea agreement describes those as potential immigration consequences.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Lexington is the epicenter of western North Carolina barbecue (also known as Piedmont style), which distinguishes itself from the other half of the state by adding ketchup to its signature sweet and tangy sauce.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
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Differentiating factors What distinguishes Cohen most from his competitors is his nuanced understanding of state mandates.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, a recent widow who travels with her 11-year-old daughter Sarah (Morgan) to the Western Canadian frontier to escape a threat back home and make a fresh start following her husband’s death.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
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Sessa stars alongside Emilia Jones, who plays a former high school acquaintance, as well as Dagmara Domińczyk, Rich Sommer, comedian Stavros Halkias, Leo Woodall, and Antonio Banderas, who portrays the chef at the restaurant where Bourdain finds work.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
5 May 2026
Verb
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Across both the château and villa collection, the interiors avoid the polish that often defines contemporary luxury hospitality.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
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The company’s growth across three markets reflects a model that scales without losing the responsiveness that defines the client experience at the firm level.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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