as in characteristics
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
honesty is one of her defining traits
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Recent Examples of traits
Järnkrok is an undersized forward who doesn’t play with any physicality — not exactly traits generally prized by Berube.
—
Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
That was one of the traits that stood out to the Chicago White Sox.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The finding, published Thursday in the journal Science, suggests that longevity is akin to other complex traits — such as cholesterol levels and osteoporosis risk — that are thought to be shaped by many genes but also heavily influenced by how and where people live.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
And this study highlights how complex and nuanced measuring human traits are – and how LLM benchmark scores aren't really solid indicators to use in comparative analyses.
—New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026
Scientists have seen roughly that level of lifespan heritability with other species, as well as with other human traits, such as psychological factors like introversion.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 29 Jan. 2026
This is the phenomenon where people regularly behave in ways that contradict their core personality traits.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
His positive traits — quick processor and high football IQ as the result of being a coach’s son — could force a quarterback-needy team to take a chance on him during the later rounds.
—Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
In taking a look at Parker’s core traits, that one stands out before any other.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2026
Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
That was one of the traits that stood out to the Chicago White Sox.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The finding, published Thursday in the journal Science, suggests that longevity is akin to other complex traits — such as cholesterol levels and osteoporosis risk — that are thought to be shaped by many genes but also heavily influenced by how and where people live.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
And this study highlights how complex and nuanced measuring human traits are – and how LLM benchmark scores aren't really solid indicators to use in comparative analyses.
—New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026
Scientists have seen roughly that level of lifespan heritability with other species, as well as with other human traits, such as psychological factors like introversion.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 29 Jan. 2026
This is the phenomenon where people regularly behave in ways that contradict their core personality traits.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
His positive traits — quick processor and high football IQ as the result of being a coach’s son — could force a quarterback-needy team to take a chance on him during the later rounds.
—Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
In taking a look at Parker’s core traits, that one stands out before any other.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traits
Noun
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Described as independent, intellectually curious and socially conscious, these characteristics align closely with traits psychologists study under the umbrellas of openness to experience, individualism and humanitarian concern.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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The company says the system incorporates high-resolution, wraparound sensors designed to detect force, contact direction, object edges, and surface characteristics.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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None of this would matter if not for the feeling that something is being lost in this process — top-level K-pop sacrificing its signature qualities for the sake of broader acceptance.—
Sheldon Pearce,
NPR,
29 Jan. 2026
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That’s on top of the same blend of delightful qualities as its less-powerful siblings and still can be had well-equipped for under $150,000.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Its large brain and flat face—attributes found in today’s humans—have long set the species apart from earlier hominins such as Australopithecus africanus.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
23 Jan. 2026
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But concerns about private credit — which tend to come from the sector’s competitors in public debt — are understandable given its attributes.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Adjustable Typing Angles Other features on the NODE 100 include a set of flip-out and adjustable feet that offer a choice of three different typing angles, ranging from 6 to 12 degree for a more ergonomic and comfortable typing position.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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As with Eudoxus, the angle of the moon and sun will cast sections of the Aristoteles Crater into shadow, highlighting the broken terrain bordering its central basin plain, upon which a collection of hill-like features reside.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This post was corrected on 21 January 2021 to clarify attributions.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
12 Jan. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Traits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traits. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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