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
The Conservatives, currently led by Kemi Badenoch, slammed Braverman following her defection, characterizing her as an inevitable turncoat and questioning her mental faculties.
—
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 26 Jan. 2026
Federal prosecutors reportedly investigated federal contractors that consider diversity, characterizing such initiatives as fraud.
—Spencer Overton, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
Several former heads of the central bank have come out against the move, characterizing it as an attempt to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve, which is authorized by Congress to set monetary policy independent of the President's wishes.
—Time, 14 Jan. 2026
The vice president, who raised his voice at times while speaking, passionately defended the ICE agent — who has since been identified as Jonathan Ross — while characterizing Good as a radical activist.
—Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
In a statement posted to Instagram, SAG-AFTRA, one of the largest entertainment unions, blasted its creation, characterizing it as an affront to the work of human performers.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
People are characterizing them and not listening to them.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Pirro pushed back and went on to reiterate the Administration’s support for the deployments, characterizing the city as besieged by violent crime.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2025
Someone from the home called 911 to report Geyser had vanished, characterizing her as a missing person.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 23 Nov. 2025
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 26 Jan. 2026
Federal prosecutors reportedly investigated federal contractors that consider diversity, characterizing such initiatives as fraud.
—Spencer Overton, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
Several former heads of the central bank have come out against the move, characterizing it as an attempt to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve, which is authorized by Congress to set monetary policy independent of the President's wishes.
—Time, 14 Jan. 2026
The vice president, who raised his voice at times while speaking, passionately defended the ICE agent — who has since been identified as Jonathan Ross — while characterizing Good as a radical activist.
—Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
In a statement posted to Instagram, SAG-AFTRA, one of the largest entertainment unions, blasted its creation, characterizing it as an affront to the work of human performers.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
People are characterizing them and not listening to them.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Pirro pushed back and went on to reiterate the Administration’s support for the deployments, characterizing the city as besieged by violent crime.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2025
Someone from the home called 911 to report Geyser had vanished, characterizing her as a missing person.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 23 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizing
Verb
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The paper describing the system has been published in the journal Radiation Measurements, and is open access so that others may benefit from the findings.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Jan. 2026
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But O'Hara said he's seen no evidence that Pretti brandished a weapon, describing him as someone who appeared to be lawfully recording law enforcement activity while legally carrying a firearm.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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By distinguishing between temporary and irreversible material changes, the new monitoring method provides a great basis for improving the tests.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Jan. 2026
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Creating a dedicated deck for intimate meals—including formal five-course dinners prepared by the boat’s Ecuadorian chef with an all-inclusive wine and spirits menu—was central to distinguishing Hermes’s offering.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Rhodes has been a babyface—effectively portraying this same character—dating back to when AEW opened its doors in 2019.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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After portraying Olympic-level rivals on screen, Storrie and Williams will have the opportunity to play a role in the real-life Games.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Cooperation will remain the defining test.—
Vaishali Nigam Sinha,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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In Hollywood, where perception is everything, that narrative risks defining him permanently.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizing. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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