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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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The owner of concert promoter Brew Ha Ha Productions describes himself as a libertarian-leaning conservative who built his career in San Juan Capistrano.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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Rostec describes the jet as a record-holder in enemy aircraft interceptions.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Is there something that distinguishes a Paramount movie from a WB movie?—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
17 Apr. 2026
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Still, what distinguishes Gionfriddo is not her ear for cruelty but her ability to see beyond it, and to shift the prism of audience sympathy, in tiny increments.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Hunter Schafer portrays Rue’s former girlfriend Jules in Euphoria, but in real life, the actress and model is single.—
Katie Mannion,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
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On the other side of Lexington Green, Mike Graves also portrays a Revolutionary War figure, albeit one wearing red.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The piece is also topped by a jeweled medallion, adding to the sense of theatricality that often defines the studio’s late 19th-century commissions.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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There’s always at least one tone that defines a season—in recent times, butter yellow, chocolate brown, and cherry red have all been top contenders—but what seemed particularly impactful this season was how many brands embraced poignant palettes.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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