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 These traits must be balanced with the realities of human imperfection. — Maria Comella, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026 His speed and defensive versatility, however, remain attractive traits for clubs seeking depth during the second half. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 More recently, scientists have learned more about the tree’s genome – its complete set of DNA – including how its genes are expressed, interact and give rise to traits. — Steve Strauss, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 Two traits made the biggest difference The international study, published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, went even further, revealing that overconfidence proved to be a liability in leadership. — Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 21 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
  • Such is the quality of his attributes in possession that Stones’ defending feels like an adjunct to his core on-ball attributes.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Data, access and prompts change, embeddings are refreshed, and new attributes emerge.
    — Saurabh Gupta, Forbes.com, 23 July 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
  • Multiple studies using different approaches reached broadly consistent conclusions, illustrating how scientists conducting attribution studies can build confidence in the conclusions by drawing on several independent lines of evidence.
    — Deepti Singh, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
  • In 2017, concerns about click fraud, questionable attribution and transparency pushed advertisers to demand greater accountability.
    — Gilad Bechar, Forbes.com, 17 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 28 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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