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 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 Were the traits that people value – and their underlying mutations – already present in the wild? — Ornob Alam, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 The latter trait is something that his uncles didn’t possess, but his grandfather did. — Mac Engel october 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 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
  • Those characteristics can be particularly relevant to fashion distribution, where seasonal peaks, promotional periods and e-commerce demand can put intense pressure on fulfillment operations.
    — Josh McMorrow, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Balls put in play with those characteristics are hits 84% of the time, per the league's Statcast page.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • The low-budget feature will mark Just’s directorial debut, and be the second in the new Dogma25 slate of ambitious arthouse features from producer Zentropa.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Produced by Emilie Lesclaux and Film at Lincoln Center, it was shot during the 2025 New York Film Festival, where the two directors were presenting their latest features, and grew out of conversations between them.
    — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • Within premium products, there is a focus on longevity attributes in skin care and elegant, sophisticated makeup products among mature middle-class consumers.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The study also found that daughters’ caregiving more responsive than sons’ to their own and their parents’ attributes.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 9 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trait

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