trait

noun

ˈtrāt How to pronounce trait (audio)
Definition of traitnext
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind honesty is one of her defining traits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 trait Rather than exclusively focusing on what’s wrong with our mental health, one approach is to develop skills, traits, and perspectives that can help us. — Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 Some breeds are deliberately selected for traits that shorten life. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Cam is a 28-year-old HR coordinator whose defining trait is his passion for puns, which, miraculously, doesn’t turn off either Aneha, a 27-year-old biotech engineer, or Malaine, a 31-year-old portfolio analyst. — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 This unique trait has led planetary scientists to hypothesize that the asteroid formed in the frigid outer solar system and migrated inward early in the solar system's history. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trait
  1. characteristic
  2. feature
  3. attribute
  4. quality
  5. attribution
Noun
  • If researchers can reliably take advantage of these characteristics, biological computing could one day be the prime choice in applications where systems need to adapt to unfamiliar conditions in a field far from home.
    — Mike McRae October 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge is to broaden a brand’s appeal without diluting the characteristics that distinguish it from competitors.
    — Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Social media giant Meta was hit with a class action lawsuit in Australia on behalf of children and teenagers who allegedly suffered harm over the addictive design features and exposure to harmful content on its platforms Facebook and Instagram.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • While the iPhone Duo’s software certainly felt much smoother and more fluid than Android alternatives, many of its core features have been available on Samsung or Google phones for years.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • The issue ultimately comes down to credibility, an essential attribute for any press secretary.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The report was published right before shootings in Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Edina that local law enforcement attribute to Somali gang violence.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of attribute
Noun
  • The report also raised questions about the quality of official data on vaccinations for measles and other diseases for the years 2023 to 2025.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • If the preseason is any indication, Wiggins is going to have a quality season for the Heat.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of quality
Noun
  • The integration also includes direct attribution through measurement firm Kochava, which promises to give studios and advertisers greater visibility into how campaigns and audience engagement translate into ticket sales.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The integration also enables direct attribution through Kochava, giving studios and advertisers greater visibility into how campaigns and audience engagement translate into ticket sales.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of attribution

Browse Nearby Words

traipsing
trait
traitor
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Cite this Entry

“Trait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trait. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trait

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