characters 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
4
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

6
7

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Familiar names pepper the script, but characters’ circumstances, identities, and motivations have been significantly altered. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 Full of big, shouty drill sergeants, lovable characters and deep introspection, the series is earnest and refreshing. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Whether banger or ballad, her tracks make room for characters, settings, twists, a tidy ending, a cliff-hanger. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 Fans who tune into the show will quickly realize that the characters are largely inspired by Al Roker’s family — starting with the dad, Al Hunter, who sounds and looks like America’s favorite weatherman. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 For another, Deandra is a far more internal, emotionally restrained part than any of the wisecracking, quick-witted characters Hall is best known for. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 Moore's and Thornton's characters struck up a partnership as the leaders of M*Tex Oil after the shocking death of Jon Hamm's Monty Miller in the season 1 finale. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025 Have your face painted, get a new balloon animal friend, meet your favorite characters and more. Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025 The menu features drinks that are named after book and television characters and, depending on the season, might include the Becky Sharp, Jem Finch, or Holly Golightly. Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characters
Noun
  • Password Generator Using the LogMeOnce password generator, users can set a password length of up to 50 characters and choose to require capital and lowercase letters, digits, or symbols.
    Kim Key, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The symbols on the mosaic – cyrpress trees, fruit and Egyptian geese – also complement the Greek text, with researchers interpreting them as deliberate choices.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For Mimi Pond, the desire to do a book about the Mitford sisters – six larger-than-life British eccentrics (and one brother) who created a stir in both British and American culture – was obvious.
    Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
  • For decades, sovereign citizens largely flew under the radar in Australia as relatively harmless eccentrics with a special interest in conspiracy theories.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Kruse and Fialko filed their lawsuit in August, accusing Presley of making false allegations of elder abuse against them to ruin their reputations.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Pressure campaigns have even led to traditional media outlets retracting previously positive reviews, further harming book sales and author reputations.
    Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mastantuono, 18, has the characteristics to contribute from a deeper position, but his signing was intended for more attacking areas, as is being seen.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Experts highlighted its clean aerodynamic profile and radar-evading shape, which suggest stealth characteristics comparable to leading US designs.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These stories therefore suggest an enduring social order in which characters are better understood by their identities than by their own unique choices and circumstances.
    Nathaniel Moore September 10, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
  • My District 2 neighbors are making clear that concealing identities already undermines trust, strips away civil liberties and sets a dangerous precedent.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As their mismatched personalities stir tension with each other — and the group — old resentments bubble up, forcing them to reckon with their relationship and the lives waiting for them back home.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Bundestrainer prioritized squad building over trying to shoehorn big personalities into the team.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The title that has become attached to the painting over time curiously characterizes the Virgin Mary by the fruit, perhaps in recognition of her chastity, especially when considered in the context of Persephone’s myth.
    Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Sure, rum is often identified with the sunny beaches and tropical climate that characterizes most of its places of origin.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, the surgery involves cutting away thin layers of the skin until there are no signs of cancer.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • There are early signs that Alonso will bring the best out of him.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Characters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characters. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on characters

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!