character 1 of 3

Definition of characternext
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as in symbol
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

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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

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character

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verb

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

characterless

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word character different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of character are attribute, property, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When might attribute be a better fit than character?

The words attribute and character can be used in similar contexts, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When can property be used instead of character?

The synonyms property and character are sometimes interchangeable, but property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

In what contexts can quality take the place of character?

The meanings of quality and character largely overlap; however, quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

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
Noun
Like the KPop Demon Hunters singing dolls, Mattel’s fashion dolls of the characters are listed for pre-sale on Mattel Creations, as well as select retailers. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 This follows Ratatouille voice star Patton Oswalt recently expressing interest in reprising the character. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Adjective
Nowadays, old-school residents bemoan the neighborhood’s evolution from grungy to grandiose; what was once a warren of hedonism has become a breeding ground for characterless watering holes whose lack of personality is bested only by the exorbitance of their beer prices. Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 1 May 2026 Dąbrowski is pictured taking a catnap in a sleeping bag in some characterless photo studio. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
  • An heir to the Levi jeans fortune who lives in Manhattan, Goldman largely self-funded his campaign.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • For him, Hussein’s death was about fighting oppression, yes, but also about putting the common good of the faithful above one’s self.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Shiites hold their most sacred and emotionally charged annual ritual — Ashura — to commemorate Hussein’s death, honoring him as a galvanizing symbol of the fight against oppression.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • Instead of traditional sheet music, musicians learn songs through colors, shapes, symbols and other familiar tools.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • In the Greek world, honor isn’t tethered to morality.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about sexuality, morality and identity.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Arie has a reputation of advocating for self-empowerment and social consciousness in her music, as well as being outspoken on race and cultural identity issues.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • If the job of a debut album is to introduce an artist to the world, while a sophomore album reinforces their reputation, then a third album offers a channel for artists to expand beyond the familiar tricks and peculiarities that shot them to fame in the first place.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Continuous review President reviews, according to CSU policy, allow the CSU board of trustees to understand the unique characteristics of each campus, assess their leadership and further the school’s progress.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • The game changer was a move to fermentation in stainless-steel tanks or neutral wood barrels, which imparted fewer oak characteristics to the wines.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • At age 30, Sarris uncovered the identities of his birth parents and learned of his Native heritage.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Anything that challenges that interpretation of what ancient history is threatens their identity in terms of their gender and racial identities.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • As officers moved inside, the suspect ran out the back of the building, where other officers stationed along a perimeter took the person into custody, police said.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Sees another email that says that the person who's going to shut it down is having extramarital affair.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • With its loose ends and digressions, Dream Me a Dream stays true to those idiosyncratic instincts while retaining enough of the welcoming glow of Dance of Love to make this an affecting farewell from an endearing eccentric.
    Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
  • The eccentric cuz is quick to try and help Bobby solve problems, which often gets him into trouble, but ultimately pushes him out of his shell.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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