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 All three of them share the same traits of being physical (and hard-hittiing in Matt’s case) defensive backs. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026 The bill included exceptions for genetic traits intended to benefit an animal’s health or enhance its interaction with humans, including hypoallergenic traits, as well as certain aquatic animals. — John Woolfolk, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 Oduwa eventually got called up to varsity as a sophomore, whether his skills had caught up to his physical traits or not. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Eventually, Ramona connects the dots that her colorblindness may be a genetic trait inherited from Steven. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trait
  1. characteristic
  2. feature
  3. attribute
  4. quality
  5. attribution
Noun
  • The devices capture images of vehicle tags and characteristics, feeding searchable data to police departments.
    — Larry Seward, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Flock cameras photographed passing vehicles and used software to record information including license plate numbers, vehicle characteristics, dates, times and locations in searchable databases.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Already great features that had been added earlier include the Yacht Club, an observation room with big windows and coffee bar, the perfect place to curl up with a latte and views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Further testing will determine how effectively the UUV can translate those features into operational missions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • But Roth had a vision for how his unique combination of attributes could not just benefit his own productions but the theater world at large.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Foreign brands without those two attributes are being marginalized.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of attribute
Noun
  • The resumption of Saudi exports could help ease tight supply of heavier grades that produce more residue fuel which ⁠can be used to refuel ships or processed further at refineries, to yield higher quality fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
    — August 18, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Blue Jackets have continued to add highly competitive talents, with Oscar Hemming providing another quality top-six option on the wing.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of quality
Noun
  • There have also been several divisive debates around credit and attribution.
    — Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Who may be behind the Minnesota water cyberattack Officials have not announced a definitive attribution.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of attribution

Browse Nearby Words

traipsing
trait
traitor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trait. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trait

Nglish: Translation of trait for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trait

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