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type

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word type distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of type are character, description, kind, nature, and sort. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

When can character be used instead of type?

While the synonyms character and type are close in meaning, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of type?

The words description and type can be used in similar contexts, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might kind be a better fit than type?

The synonyms kind and type are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When could nature be used to replace type?

Although the words nature and type have much in common, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When is sort a more appropriate choice than type?

While in some cases nearly identical to type, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

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 type
Verb
The low-profile keys are still satisfying to type on all day. Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 24 Apr. 2025 The Lenovo faithful will miss the signature red TrackPoint in the center of the keyboard, and typing on the ThinkPad X9 is a definite downgrade from the usual ThinkPad. PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025 Skip to the next and previous photo by typing j/k or ←/→. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025 The quicker option would be to type the problem into a computer through some elegant Python code (or another programming language). Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • However, the dispute between Lage and Textor, a first of its kind, will hinge on whether such promises are enforceable.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • The church received a grant from the Valley Foundation to acquire the instrument, which is the only one of its kind at a South Bay venue.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • People in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell their health care provider.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Florida’s April numbers were bolstered by employment in a broad category of education and health services, which grew by 8,000 from March.
    Jim Saunders, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Boys of Summer is classified as a fougère, a classically masculine scent categorized by herbaceous top notes (usually lavender), a floral heart, and a green, woody base.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 2 May 2025
  • According to the plan, the parade would be classified as a national special security event, and that request has been submitted by the National Park Service and is under review.
    Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Dale also appears to be wearing virtual reality headset of sorts.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • These perks are unlocked through the Requisitions menu, which acts as a battle pass of sorts.
    Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Naperville, Illinois, which earlier this year was also named the best place to live in America by Niche, ranked fourth, and Roswell, Georgia, snagged the fifth spot with a Livability Score of 838.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2025
  • The Bears ranked second in the NFL in going for it on fourth down last season, attempting 38 times, six behind the league-leading Browns.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Part of the appeal of the story for Skarsgård was the genre itself.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Her work is challenging, tending towards body horror while also defying genre confines.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Employers are grouped into similar sizes to best compare similar employee experiences.
    Bob Helbig, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025
  • Now the coaches are grouped together with seniors and contributors and have to get 80%.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • The subtle stripe keeps the print from leaning too floral, and Resor ran the pattern vertically to highlight the stripe.
    Allison Duncan, Vogue, 8 May 2025
  • Demi Moore Demi Moore wore an inventive Thom Browne gown that featured an oversized stripe.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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