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 The study determined that the probability of two people with matching measurements for four of the facial traits is to the order of 10-7, or one in 10 million. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026 The Grammy winner also discussed her favorite traits about cats. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 13 July 2026 These traits alone don’t make this tree invasive, but the trees began cross-pollinating with other pear species, whose offspring create thorny thickets that smother native plants and habitat. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026 Rabe has the physical traits to move quickly through KC’s minor-league system, too. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 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
  • For black holes, this measure of entropy is connected to characteristics like spin and energy, which means it could be used to understand how these cosmic titans respond to different events.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2026
  • This is followed by an interview—and then Bending Spoons used hiring algorithms to run an analysis on how the talent scored against both quantitative, and qualitative characteristics.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • The Times, citing anonymous sources, reported the switch had come at the urging of the Secret Service, and that the newer plane lacked some of the advanced security features of the older aircraft, including antimissile capabilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Squarespace, on the other hand, is a fantastic option, thanks to its beautiful designs, intuitive editor, and powerful e-commerce features.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • Output aside, Tzolis has the key ‘macro’ attributes that have been crucial to Mikel Arteta’s side developing into England’s champions.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 July 2026
  • Although the origins of the brooch itself are still unknown, the meaning behind the moonstone could indicate reflection, celebration or various attributes Queen Camilla wanted to emphasize at Wednesday’s event.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Definition of attribute
Noun
  • This metric measures the quality of each chance as a player shoots, accounting for many contextual factors, including the angle and distance of the shot, and the body part used for the effort.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The business had many of the qualities the market likes, but the likely transaction raised questions about leverage, ownership, and how much value might be taken out before the public shareholder arrived.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of quality
Noun
  • In 2017, concerns about click fraud, questionable attribution and transparency pushed advertisers to demand greater accountability.
    — Gilad Bechar, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The suit alleges that Thomas’ 2024 exhibition All About Love incorporated Karant’s photos without due attribution.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 9 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 22 Jul. 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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