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 Banner warns that judging which evolutionary traits are good or bad is an ethical slippery slope. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026 Create characters built around lifepaths, natures, clan traits, and merits. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 July 2026 These species are distantly related, yet have different functional and anatomical traits. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 Beyond different physical traits, the two men are wearing the same dusty jeans and T-shirt combo—though Blackfoot Tom’s beard is a baby sprout compared to the long ginger duster Montana is sporting. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trait
  1. characteristic
  2. feature
  3. attribute
  4. quality
  5. attribution
Noun
  • Additionally, the breast cancer characteristics of some participants were unknown, which may have affected the data.
    — Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • The companies will assess the batteries’ performance, reliability, safety, and charging characteristics under everyday driving conditions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Many of them feature amenities like a basketball court, weight rooms and a pool, while others may have unique features like boxing gyms or an ice rink.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Apple might delay the full rollout of these desktop AI utilities beyond the initial Q4 2026 macOS 27 release, preferring a staggered approach to unify features across platforms, mirroring iOS.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • And the Ivory Coast international — who is expected to cost in the region of £35million — is a player who would add the attributes that Glasner craves.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The punchy track shows Cardi calling out her haters in a playful twist, while listing off the many attributes to her name.
    — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of attribute
Noun
  • Grocery store quality produce is sent to Fresh Food Partner corner stores, convenience shops and other local stores, in the Kansas City metropolitan area, for people to purchase.
    — Zuri Primos July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • That being said, the image quality on all the cameras is lacking for someone like me, who made a living for nearly twenty years taking photos.
    — Joe Salas July 26, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
Definition of quality
Noun
  • Most attribution systems, however, remain optimized for immediate conversions.
    — Zoe Soon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Since then, the partnership has evolved to include creative measurement, audience verification and business outcomes attribution across both linear and streaming environments.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 July 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 3 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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