as in characteristics
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
honesty is one of her defining traits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 traits
The 6-3, 318-pound Hunter has good length (33 1/4-inch arms) but lacks explosive traits, as evidenced by his 21 1/2-inch vertical jump and 8-foot, four-inch broad jump.
—
Tobias Bass, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Each has versatility and traits the Broncos like.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
The tape also speaks for itself, with Love showcasing explosive physical traits as well as strength in the trenches.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Those are all traits that typically translate to success in the NFL for offensive linemen.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The projection is tricky because the body type is so unusual, but the movement traits and disruptive flashes are worth a long look.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Miami’s staff views Ford’s power, foot speed and character as positive traits.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
These traits of openness and creativity, Gross says, are not fixed based on previous experiences, let alone birth.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Chief among his enviable traits is probably his humility.
—Levar Burton, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
Tobias Bass, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Each has versatility and traits the Broncos like.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
The tape also speaks for itself, with Love showcasing explosive physical traits as well as strength in the trenches.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Those are all traits that typically translate to success in the NFL for offensive linemen.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The projection is tricky because the body type is so unusual, but the movement traits and disruptive flashes are worth a long look.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Miami’s staff views Ford’s power, foot speed and character as positive traits.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
These traits of openness and creativity, Gross says, are not fixed based on previous experiences, let alone birth.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Chief among his enviable traits is probably his humility.
—Levar Burton, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traits
Noun
-
Researchers evaluated and recorded the same 28 characteristics for each species based on preexisting data from universities and government agencies, Nunez-Mir said.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Clean-up operations involve experts who calculate the risk of a criticality accident based on the characteristics of the material being moved, Rofer says.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The healthy qualities of whole foods — like high-fiber apples or asparagus — help promote fullness and are less likely to spike blood sugar.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Both those qualities apply to cult-classic cushion foundation Jungsaemmool, which is finally available stateside.—
Sarah Y. Wu,
Glamour,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Find attributes that cannot be taught.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
His physical attributes caught the attention of the Ravens’ front office and scouts, but his relationship with Heap helped drive his quality of character home.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If your car is equipped with front radar or driver‑assist features, dirt on the sensor or slight misalignment from a parking‑lot bump could also be the culprit.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Update to the latest version to see all Vogue content, as well as new features like our Runway Genius quiz, Group Chats, and posts from Vogue contributors.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Political discussions on social media are often dominated by competing attributions of more and more insidious motives to people on the other side.—
Mark Schroeder,
The Conversation,
20 Feb. 2026
-
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 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
