characters 1 of 2

Definition of charactersnext
plural of character
1
as in symbols
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery

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Relevance
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5
as in identities
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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characters

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of character
as in characterizes
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group formerly charactered as "the dark ages," that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought

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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 characters
Noun
Though the tension is supercharged by the Kennedy name and the characters’ mutual fame, the fight itself resembles any ordinary couple bickering about their in-laws and lost spark. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 In the same way characters come and go, bulletins from the outside world pop up as backdrop, with references to The Balfour Declaration and, more pertinently, the upcoming Peel Commission, which, published the following year, would open the gates to partition. Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026 The prologue that opens Ragtime loudly announces the musical’s epic ambitions as its nine fictional characters and six of its historical figures introduce themselves with third-person narration and shout-singing. Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026 Presented in somewhat nonlinear chronology, much of the play consists of two-hander scenes between Adam and individual characters, including his new love interest, the confident and flirtatious Alycia (Emma Fulmer). Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 And his writing evolved along with the series, as the characters grew more morally complex, and the plots became more intricate and convoluted. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026 Pop Mart also released the Labubu x Sanrio Characters Series, featuring Labubu vinyl plush pendants dressed as Sanrio characters Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, Pochacco and Pompompurin. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026 In a career defined by timeless storytelling and unforgettable characters, Paul now tells the most personal story of all, his own. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2026 Newport’s shaping of characters, set in two different time periods, and pacing allows for the broader historical stakes to resonate, yet never sacrifices Harmon’s gift for storytelling. Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
What would Six Flags look like without its most valuable properties like Looney Tunes and, especially, its DC Comics characters Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman? Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025 KPop Demon Hunters characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie were also featured. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Nov. 2025 Netflix characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie from KPop Demon Hunters will also join the lineup. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characters
Noun
  • Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.
    Mireya Mayor, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The movie’s rage is righteous, its symbols profound.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • On her trail are a Báthory relative who is vegetarian (Thomas Schubert), his psychotherapist (Lars Eidinger), two vampirologists, a police inspector and a gallery of eccentrics.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Catherine O’Hara portrayed ridiculous eccentrics with equal parts hilarity and humanity.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • He became known for poaching clients, extracting heroic sums for their work, and burnishing their reputations abroad.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • These foods don't deserve their bad reputations, nutritionists say.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Riboua argued that the Guards’ ideology can be mainly characterized by a pragmatism with hardliner characteristics.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The interactive Olaf can speak and engage in conversations, and his mannerisms and characteristics are spot on.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • If stopped, passengers only need to answer routine questions about the nature of their trip and confirm their identities.
    Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Police have not released the suspect or the victim's identities.
    Tim Fang, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These outsized musical personalities often leave more distinctive fingerprints on the songs than the BTS members themselves do.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Crosby said some of her greatest strengths are bridging ideology gaps to get things done and not letting personalities get in the way.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • These three designs have served as templates for countless brands and designers over the past 100 years, who have either reinterpreted them or sought to recreate the originals.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026
  • With the Ion broadcast network holding rights to WNBA and NWSL games, along with various other live sports on Ion and other networks, the company wanted to create a 24/7 home for live events, originals, documentaries and other sports programming.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Characters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characters. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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