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 traits rewarded in high-performing individual contributors—like decisiveness, high output, competitive drive—are not necessarily the same traits that make an effective manager. — Miriam Groom, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Like Saban, Smart demands physicality, instills competitiveness and obsesses over details — traits Sumrall values, too. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 The following passage from Maclachlan’s memoir well illustrates Stewart’s refusal to treat popular entertainment with any less seriousness than Shakespeare, a trait that would serve him well throughout his career. — Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026 But he’s shown to be a perfect fit in Dan Hurley’s system with many of the same traits as the beloved Huskies’ captain. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trait
  1. characteristic
  2. feature
  3. attribute
  4. quality
  5. attribution
Noun
  • Designed by Atelier Invictus and designer Fabio Rotella, the 55-footer introduces a fresh aesthetic but retains all the defining characteristics of the ST550 that debuted at Cannes in 2025.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Supporters said racial profiling is already prohibited and that legal status is determined using standard identification and verification procedures, not subjective characteristics such as the color of someone's skin.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Another key feature are the balconies overlooking the gently flowing Shirakawa River.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The car has a gorgeous flowing design, but as with other supercars in the seven-figure segment, a head-turning exterior is far from its most breathtaking feature.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • The organization gave the sandwich an overall score of 75, a four out of five nutrition score and a five out of five sensory score, which is based on flavor and texture attributes.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • And sometimes, the explicit absence of a contradictory signal can provide as much clarity as a matching attribute.
    — Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of attribute
Noun
  • Their usefulness depends on the quality of the underlying data, the accuracy of their models, and how well those models represent real-world conditions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Considering the quality of opposition coming up, odds for postseason play do not appear to be in KU’s favor.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of quality
Noun
  • The company says its investigation has yet to reveal any evidence that any investigation data has been accessed or Chainalysis attribution data has been manipulated.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That gap is where attribution is running out of road and where prediction is starting to take over.
    — Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trait

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trait

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