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
Relevance
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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizing
Verb
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Some of Jackson's children spoke to CBS News Chicago, describing both the weight of this loss and the global impact their father leaves behind.—
Darius Johnson,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Brian Lyons said, describing the wind event as moving in very quickly.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Protective planning as a long-term discipline Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of future-proof asset protection is timing.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Season 2 explores where this chaos comes from, and the difficulty in distinguishing the sheriff from the outlaw.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Still, the actress felt the weight of portraying a figure so beloved for her signature minimalist style.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
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Alberdi explores the tale from Ale’s perspective through the use of dramatizations, with actress Ana Celeste Montalvo Peña portraying Ale, and Armando Espitia as Arturo.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The elevated take on the more conservative looks defining the season was inspired by 16th century Persian miniature paintings.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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Six busloads of students traveled to witness a defining victory at Xavier in 1983.—
Mario DiLoreto,
Hartford Courant,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizing. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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