diagnostic 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdī-ig-ˈnä-stik How to pronounce diagnostic (audio)
variants also diagnostical
Definition of diagnosticnext
as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group studies that show that cultural diversity is a diagnostic feature of a thriving city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

diagnostic

2 of 2

noun

as in feature
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind the thesis that moral decline is the infallible diagnostic of a decadent society

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 diagnostic
Adjective
Spotting cancer in this cohort, one with lots of diagnostic testing already on file, delivers the priceless opportunity to learn what signs and signals appear first when pancreatic cancer develops in the body. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 What did work in Michigan, remarkably well, was stopping unnecessary testing using diagnostic stewardship. — Daniel Morgan, STAT, 6 July 2026
Noun
The consolidation of 29 labor laws into four codes is expected to improve access to formal finance, insurance and healthcare, benefiting banks, non-bank lenders, insurers, diagnostics companies and hospitals. — Lee Ying Shan,fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 July 2026 His research includes environmental health and global health diagnostics innovation. — William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for diagnostic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diagnostic
  1. characteristic
  2. feature
  3. distinctive
  4. quality
  5. distinct
  6. trait
  7. typical
  8. attribute
Adjective
  • But March’s westside trapped is a stunning left turn even for an artist whose defining characteristic to date is a penchant for change.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • This later onset is a characteristic LADA shares with type 2 diabetes.
    — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • The SuperWide feature makes the sound feel bigger, wider, and more expansive.
    — Joe Salas July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
  • Some time at the spa is also a must, where a natural water feature travels from an outdoor waterfall through the length of the spa.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of feature
Adjective
  • Tabby coated cats have a distinctive 'M'-shaped mark on their foreheads.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The restaurants are also rated highly for their traditional chile relleno and for the distinctive fish or shrimp tacos with chipotle sauce and mango pico de gallo.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
Definition of distinctive
Noun
  • The heat wave is making a bad air-quality situation worse as a high-pressure system traps soot and fine particles close to the ground instead of dispersing them.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • And if sleep health is on your mind, the Epix Pro (Gen 2) delivers a full picture of your sleep quality to examine over your morning cup of coffee.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
Definition of quality
Adjective
  • Both chickpea pasta and whole-wheat pasta offer distinct nutritional benefits and can contribute to a balanced diet.
    — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026
  • As with a tiny house, there’s no space for different distinct areas.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Definition of distinct
Noun
  • Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of trait
Adjective
  • If multiple people become infected within a neighborhood, a typical source would be a cooling tower, hot tub or spray fountain, NYC Health wrote on its website.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • The contoured footbed offers more support than a typical flat sandal, and the adjustable straps help customize the fit, which is especially helpful for her flat feet.
    — Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of typical
Noun
  • There are loft-like attributes to them, and also the feeling of living in a penthouse.
    — Deborah Gimelson, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
  • Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Definition of attribute

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diagnostic
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Cite this Entry

“Diagnostic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diagnostic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on diagnostic

Nglish: Translation of diagnostic for Spanish Speakers

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