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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
This can be lifesaving in an emergency when someone needs blood ASAP and has little time to type their blood. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025 Your Keyboard and Mouse Unsurprisingly, computer keyboards also make the list, since many people type away on one all day. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025 Shane typed up a letter to Steve Zeidman, a professor at CUNY’s School of Law, asking for suggestions for an expert witness. John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025 White then typed out the entry on colons and mailed it to the young writer. Ben Yagoda, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • Leaf blowers of any kind may disturb wildlife habitat and contribute to soil erosion by removing organic matter and exposing the top layer of soil.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025
  • There are slumps, patches of mediocre play, doldrums of various kinds.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The table below breaks down the comparisons by category, in necessarily broad strokes.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The two categories are term and permanent life.
    Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The cause was classified as norovirus, a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and is commonly known as the stomach flu.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball classify the race as a likely victory for Spanberger.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The real brush fire in question took place in the spring (not the winter, as portrayed on the show), and fires of that sort were common.
    JR Radcliffe, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • These strategies – called selection sort and shaker sort – are typically studied in computer science.
    Celeste Kidd, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Tax Foundation, the Buckeye State now ranks eighth in the nation for property tax burden—ahead of expensive states like New York and California—while ranking 40th in median household income.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In Spain, expats love the weather, culture and nightlife, and opportunities for recreational sports with each ranking first in their respective categories.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In their conversation, the horror-lovers sat down to discuss exactly why horror has made its way onto readers' bookshelves worldwide, and how the genre has evolved over the last decade.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Alejandro and his band embrace bomba even more here, dedicating the album’s opener to the genre and leaning into its Afro-Puerto Rican origins and ties to African religions.
    Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Called the Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, the stays are grouped by the types of activities travelers seek, whether that’s hiking near alpine lakes, snorkeling among coral reefs teeming with fish, or getting cozy in a cabin in the woods.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The eclectic designs can be displayed on their own, or they can be grouped together to form a funky gallery wall.
    L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Grey typically isn’t a colour associated with fun, but the background, lettering, stripe down the middle and sleeve design, have defied logic to propel the Raiders into the higher echelons of these rankings.
    Ajay Rose, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Tod’s captured the modern Italian mood with bold stripes, impeccable leather and a lifestyle sensibility that felt elevated yet effortless.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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