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 next step was to search for the higher-energy release of energy that stellar physicists believe characterizes the frequent CMEs from young stars.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
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
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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Beyond that, the complaint describes other people involved in the conspiracy who have also not been charged.—
David J. Lopez,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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The report describes resale as a tool for brands to acquire new customers, control their brand narrative, and generate new revenue.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Nov. 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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Grande plays Glinda the Good Witch (originated by Kristin Chenoweth) while Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, the Green-skinned protagonist (first played by Idina Menzel).—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
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Set during the Japanese colonial period — when Taiwan’s cypress industry thrived — the series portrays a world built by men yet seen through the eyes of a Japanese woman.—
Lin Ying-Hsuan,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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OpenAI’s charter defines AGI as an autonomous system that can outperform humans at most economically valuable work.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Our reporters are exploring how America defines itself.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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