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
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Recent Examples of trait
But that only presented more questions because the fossil didn’t show any classic amphibian tadpole traits.
—
Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 18 June 2026
The first idea is that the earliest strains didn’t have the right genetic traits to be really lethal.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2026
Like people, culinary traditions continue to circulate and change in new contexts, an American trait if there ever was one.
—Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026
The former Kansas quarterback possesses a lot of traits — in terms of size, arm strength and mobility — as Baker Mayfield, who may be a perfect mentor for Daniels.
—Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for trait
Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 18 June 2026
The first idea is that the earliest strains didn’t have the right genetic traits to be really lethal.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2026
Like people, culinary traditions continue to circulate and change in new contexts, an American trait if there ever was one.
—Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026
The former Kansas quarterback possesses a lot of traits — in terms of size, arm strength and mobility — as Baker Mayfield, who may be a perfect mentor for Daniels.
—Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for trait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trait
Noun
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Those characteristics could make the biochar useful beyond fuel applications.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
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Though every case is unique, based on those that the NCMEC has tracked, there are some common characteristics among individuals who carry out fetal abductions, Steinbach says.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Rolling Stone,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Among them was a December 2024 lesson about Christmas that featured Zwarte Piet, or Black Pete, a controversial Dutch holiday character known as a helper to Santa Claus who is depicted with exaggerated, racist physical features — including large red lips.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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Delta’s current Sky Club rules reference a Grab and Go feature, saying existing Sky Club access policies and eligibility rules apply to all Grab and Go entries.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
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Gallen was an early exemplar of the trend toward high-riding four-seamers, as his other stuff was mostly average in college, with good control probably his best attribute.—
Keith Law,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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In addition to opacity, each of us prioritize varying secondary attributes in concealer (wrinkle-smoothing, crease-resistance, and ease of use, for instance).—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Noun
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Too many teams, not enough quality.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
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Researchers are hoping to better understand what Minnesotans think about water quality.—
Adam Del Rosso,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
Noun
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This stark discrepancy—akin to selling a Hermès bag at a 60 percent discount in one location while attempting to sell it at full price at a nearby store—has exacerbated mistrust in the art system’s attribution of prices and value.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
15 June 2026
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The fight over attribution Why is there so much fuss about scientific advice to judges?—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trait. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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