characterizes

Definition of characterizesnext
present tense third-person singular of characterize
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

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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
  • Lynette Hooker's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, describes her mother as an experienced swimmer who has been sailing for more than 10 years.
    Cristian Benavides, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Raiff describes Ryan Coogler as his filmmaking idol and calls Coogler’s debut Fruitvale Station his favorite movie — but seeing the success of Sinners, a relatively commercial enterprise that won Coogler his first Oscar, opened his eyes in a new way.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Riznikove believes that meaningfully distinguishes the two brands.
    Tara Duggan, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026
  • McColl said Moyinhan’s belief that strong business and strong communities are inseparable distinguishes his leadership.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the Tim Burton–directed gothic fantasy-romance the actor quite literally portrays a humanoid with scissor blades for hands.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Lewis portrays Curator as a frustrated employee pushing against institutional norms and stagnation, balancing exasperation and displaying a knack for physical comedy.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Australian law defines war crime murder as the intentional killing in a context of armed conflict of a person who is not taking an active part in the hostilities, such as a civilian, prisoner of war or a wounded soldier.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The bill defines vehicular homicide more clearly and expands the crime of criminally negligent homicide, a felony, to include vehicular homicide.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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