1
as in describing
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 distinguishing
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterizing
White added some thoughts about focusing in on people, characterizing what often happens in collaborations.
—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Supporters of the high-earner tax for public education have been quick to stress it’s been in place for more than a decade, characterizing any rollback of it as a tax cut for the wealthy.
—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
So much of The Last Supper involved characterizing songs, movies, music videos, paintings, and so on.
—
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
Many in the scientific research community disagree, characterizing the changes as the White House attempting to usurp autonomy from scientists and career civil servants.
—
Allison Deangelis,
STAT,
1 June 2026
The United States has struck a hard line, characterizing the unrest as a coup attempt.
—
ABC News,
27 May 2026
The company temporarily halted the work and offered to repair the road at no cost to the county, characterizing the work as a gift.
—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
The pick-up in optimism matches other data characterizing speculative appetite amid this year's extraordinary surge in tech stocks.
—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Fresh, seasonal produce plays a large part in characterizing the taste of a place, and in Florida’s mild climate much of that flavor can be locally grown.
—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Supporters of the high-earner tax for public education have been quick to stress it’s been in place for more than a decade, characterizing any rollback of it as a tax cut for the wealthy.
—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
So much of The Last Supper involved characterizing songs, movies, music videos, paintings, and so on.
—
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
Many in the scientific research community disagree, characterizing the changes as the White House attempting to usurp autonomy from scientists and career civil servants.
—
Allison Deangelis,
STAT,
1 June 2026
The United States has struck a hard line, characterizing the unrest as a coup attempt.
—
ABC News,
27 May 2026
The company temporarily halted the work and offered to repair the road at no cost to the county, characterizing the work as a gift.
—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
The pick-up in optimism matches other data characterizing speculative appetite amid this year's extraordinary surge in tech stocks.
—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Fresh, seasonal produce plays a large part in characterizing the taste of a place, and in Florida’s mild climate much of that flavor can be locally grown.
—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizing
Verb
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Scientists think this macromolecular (meaning large) complex carbon, could hold evidence that ancient microbial life once existed in the same sedimentary material, according to one new paper describing these observations.
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Crane offered a similar read, describing the collection as both new and familiar — the kind of pieces that could believably have been thrifted from a Venice Beach shop, even as fabrications like Terry and slub cotton give them a softer, more contemporary hand.
Verb
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The region’s altitude and cold nights help preserve acidity and aromatics in the wines, distinguishing Amyndeon from Greece’s warmer coastal and island appellations.
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The motion detection is smart, too, distinguishing among people, pets, and vehicles, which reduces false alerts.
Verb
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Rather than acknowledging the reckless play that earned her suspension, Thomas immediately shifted the focus to herself, portraying her punishment, rather than the hit on Clark, as the real injustice.
-
Jaafar spoke about portraying the King of Pop, who’s also his uncle, in the film.
Verb
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Look for flattering lengths, breathable fabrics, and waist-defining details.
-
The last week has seen frenzy spill over for what will be an era-defining, royal-level wedding.
Cite this Entry
“Characterizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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