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 latest research indicates that re-evaluation of the methodology of existing assessments for characterizing sea-level rise impact is needed, the paper noted.
—
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Some rank-and-file cops also disagreed with how the mayor is characterizing the incident.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Former state Controller Betty Yee pushed back forcefully against pressure to exit the race, characterizing such efforts as undemocratic and noting that the race remains wide open with a significant portion of voters still undecided.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Whitfield denied that allegation, characterizing it as a racist attack.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026
But Morès deserves to be recognized as a father of fascism not merely for having applied the old metaphor of the fasces to a new hierarchical order, characterizing it as an interclass panacea.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Top Tyler leaders haven’t been thrilled with Pappas either, replying to her letters by defending their work and characterizing her correspondence as counterproductive and at times, misleading or hyperbolic.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Its president, Wolfson, is blunt in characterizing the settlements.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 29 Jan. 2026
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
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Some rank-and-file cops also disagreed with how the mayor is characterizing the incident.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Former state Controller Betty Yee pushed back forcefully against pressure to exit the race, characterizing such efforts as undemocratic and noting that the race remains wide open with a significant portion of voters still undecided.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Whitfield denied that allegation, characterizing it as a racist attack.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026
But Morès deserves to be recognized as a father of fascism not merely for having applied the old metaphor of the fasces to a new hierarchical order, characterizing it as an interclass panacea.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Top Tyler leaders haven’t been thrilled with Pappas either, replying to her letters by defending their work and characterizing her correspondence as counterproductive and at times, misleading or hyperbolic.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Its president, Wolfson, is blunt in characterizing the settlements.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 29 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizing
Verb
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To understand how federal agents are using various Department of Homeland Security surveillance tools in real time, NPR collected dozens of accounts — through interviews and court documents — describing confrontations with federal immigration officers in recent months.—
Meg Anderson,
NPR,
4 Mar. 2026
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And Kim added that he was distracted playing video games at times when Chan was describing the deadly plot to his friends.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But other bolt-holes stand out for giving the beds themselves extra attention, distinguishing them in some particularly charming or even surreal way (see beds carved out of literal ice).—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
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Every building has distinguishing characteristics.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Not all of it works, but Bale is essentially perfect, portraying both the innocence and the increasing alienation of his young hero.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
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Popular culture has long elevated certain women by portraying others as rivals, obstacles or villains.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But the potentially season-defining stretch can’t be at the forefront of their minds now.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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If you’re hooked on Ryan Murphy’s Love Story, a slate of classic and recent series deliver the same 1990s glamour, New York energy and era-defining style.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizing. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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