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
  • What consumer businesses actually demand from an investor The investors who have built durable track records in consumer categories tend to share a set of characteristics that look different from the profile of a successful B2B services acquirer.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • For the sunfish, the interaction could provide new insights into their anatomy and other physical characteristics.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 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
  • 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 25 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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