1
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others
the basic character of the work requires that an employee be able to work quietly and independently
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
as in morality
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong
we need more people of sound character in public office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in reputation
overall quality as seen or judged by people in general
the general character of the business appears to be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
one of the distinguishing characters of mammals
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in identity
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
7
as in person
a member of the human race
you wouldn't believe what kind of characters hang around the bus station
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in eccentric
a person of odd or whimsical habits
the junk dealer is certainly a character, but he's as honest as they come
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to characterize
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
1
as in boring
lacking in distinctive features or qualities
characterless suburban houses that have nothing going for them but their newness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character
a characterless person who never has an opinion of his own
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 character
Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
These included the use of adjacent buildings, and the raising funds for repairs and improvements for the sale of air rights — though adding more floors would require a setback from the façade to preserve its historic character, Preservation Chicago said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
The first six episodes feel overstuffed (with plot, characters, and jokes), but a lot of it works.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
That show also had been conceived as a triptych, with each season tackling a different theme — grief, forgiveness and moving forward, respectively — as Segel’s therapist character has been dealing with the death of his wife.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for character
Noun
The variety typically reflects the multicultural character of the region, making these festivals appealing to food-curious travelers.
—Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
These included the use of adjacent buildings, and the raising funds for repairs and improvements for the sale of air rights — though adding more floors would require a setback from the façade to preserve its historic character, Preservation Chicago said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
The first six episodes feel overstuffed (with plot, characters, and jokes), but a lot of it works.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
That show also had been conceived as a triptych, with each season tackling a different theme — grief, forgiveness and moving forward, respectively — as Segel’s therapist character has been dealing with the death of his wife.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
-
Do your best to get some tidying up done — your future self will thank you.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Analyzing the task In the task, the humanoid robot picked up self-tapping nuts precisely from an automatic feeding device and placed them onto positioning fixtures.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And that, Chaccour says, set the stage for ivermectin to take center stage as a symbol of politicized medicine.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2026
-
After the war, jackets began to be worn for reasons of style rather than utility, spurred on by a wave of films like 1953’s The Wild One, in which Marlon Brando turned the leather motorcycle jacket into the ultimate symbol of youthful rebellion.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Iran's morality police arrested a 22-year-old woman, accusing her of failing to cover her hair.—
Scott Pelley,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Inspired by the sci-fi and fantasy stories that helped her escape from reality during those early years in the US, her writing often explores morality and relationships in hypothetical, fantastical worlds.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Likewise, the gleaming curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall cemented his reputation for turning civic institutions into works of art in their own right.—
David Sokol,
Architectural Digest,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Over time, the remark evolved into a slogan that became shorthand for the Rangers’ reputation for lone, forceful law enforcement — a legacy that supporters celebrate and critics say oversimplifies a more complicated history.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
What would be lost in the red-white-and-blue tedium gives Venezuela an instantly identifiable characteristic.—
Johnny Flores Jr,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Many of the characteristics that made the stocks so attractive, like profit growth, remain intact.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Advertisement The stakes were incredibly high as both parties confronted questions about identity, Trumpism, Texas’ soul, and, yes, electability.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The drone can remain overhead, confirm target identity, and strike only when conditions are favorable.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Age has a way of mellowing a person, sanding away their rough edges, leaving only their essence.—
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2026
-
This is something the person looking to be verified knows to be true, but the ZKP method relies on trust.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
2 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
Cite this Entry
“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
