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
Protest organizers have trained thousands in de-escalation techniques and have promised the day will be safe, even as political rhetoric characterizes demonstrators as being aligned with terrorist forces.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
The White House regularly characterizes undocumented immigrants as drivers of urban lawlessness, even though the data show that is not true.
—Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
But the strong business-client relationship isn’t the only thing that characterizes Cookie Brokers.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
In the days following the podcast appearance, the author shared a parody by British satirist Intel Lady that characterizes Watson as contradictory and fame-hungry.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
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
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
The White House regularly characterizes undocumented immigrants as drivers of urban lawlessness, even though the data show that is not true.
—Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
But the strong business-client relationship isn’t the only thing that characterizes Cookie Brokers.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
In the days following the podcast appearance, the author shared a parody by British satirist Intel Lady that characterizes Watson as contradictory and fame-hungry.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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In the book, Birger describes the house’s history as guiding its future.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
28 Oct. 2025
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Intensity, on the other hand, describes the level of ground shaking at various locations and can vary depending on distance from the epicenter and local geological conditions.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The combination of global expertise and local craftsmanship distinguishes Thailand’s offerings.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
30 Oct. 2025
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The program distinguishes itself by offering in-person access to hotel operations.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Greenfield, who portrays Dave Johnson, shares two children with his wife Tess Sanchez.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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Natalie Wood portrays Lucy's daughter, Anna, and the actress shot to stardom later that same year by appearing in Miracle on 34th Street.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The fine-structure constant, known as the Sommerfeld or alpha, is a dimensionless physical constant that defines how light interacts with matter.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming A rugged and untamed spirit defines Jackson Hole, a resort that has long earned its reputation as a mecca for expert skiers.—
Charles Curkin,
Vogue,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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