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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of traits
What traits, decisions, or misfortunes exceed a person’s jurisdiction?
—
Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
The new 2026 version refines those traits but adds a number of performance-enhancing design features.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
Even traits that would otherwise be welcomed become more problematic when applied to topics as consequential as probate.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026
And while Elaine seems to shift priorities and personality traits from episode to episode as the writers try to figure her out, Cree’s cheerful histrionics remain endearing throughout.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
Those two traits, for better or worse, have defined the construction of the Bulls for five years.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
The team revealed that the latter two traits—femoral antetorsion and gluteal complex—had previously been identified by other scientists, the Science Advances study affirmed their presence.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
This requires significant expertise, intelligence, and self-awareness, not to mention the right combination of personality traits.
—Ron Carucci, Harvard Business Review, 2 Jan. 2026
Yes, the actor inhabited some of Burt’s traits and flourishes, and his conservative style of lawyering came through.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
The new 2026 version refines those traits but adds a number of performance-enhancing design features.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
Even traits that would otherwise be welcomed become more problematic when applied to topics as consequential as probate.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026
And while Elaine seems to shift priorities and personality traits from episode to episode as the writers try to figure her out, Cree’s cheerful histrionics remain endearing throughout.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
Those two traits, for better or worse, have defined the construction of the Bulls for five years.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
The team revealed that the latter two traits—femoral antetorsion and gluteal complex—had previously been identified by other scientists, the Science Advances study affirmed their presence.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
This requires significant expertise, intelligence, and self-awareness, not to mention the right combination of personality traits.
—Ron Carucci, Harvard Business Review, 2 Jan. 2026
Yes, the actor inhabited some of Burt’s traits and flourishes, and his conservative style of lawyering came through.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traits
Noun
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As such, its defining characteristics are mostly tactile rather than visual.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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But there are other factors that needled their way into the evolutionary development of dormancy characteristics.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ekitike could cause City problems with his ability to stretch the play and ball-carrying qualities.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Making Intentionality a Priority Since the beginning, Mark and Alexis’ work as Arizona personal injury lawyers has been grounded in passion, relationships, and respect, and these qualities remain to this day.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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At the same time, Libra will find that their affinity towards each other is based on their juxtaposing attributes, spiritual connection and attraction.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Mahon ran Channel 4 for eight years and is seen as a savvy political and commercial operator, who is sure-footed under scrutiny — all attributes that would serve her well in the hellfire moments that often come with running the BBC.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Since 2022, numerous campuses have added new safety features – such as installing more cameras on campus and hiring additional police officers – while also working to strengthen their relationships with federal and local law enforcement, according to Inside Higher Ed.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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DeZao says one of AI’s most helpful features is its ability to receive instructions and do its work while the human employee can remain focused on the task at hand.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
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 11 Jan. 2026.
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