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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 answer to this question will direct your own response, whether that involves typing into Google Translate or simply letting the words wash over you. Rachel Ashcroft july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025 The machine also typed out its own introduction during the demonstration. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025 Before typing anything sensitive into Meta AI or any chatbot, pause. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 The return of blue-book exams might disadvantage students who were encouraged to master typing at a young age. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • The festival is the largest of its kind in the United States and is sponsored by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.
    Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
  • Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Recent research shows that widely read authors, including J. K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin, and Dan Brown may be in this category.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
  • But while the brand has offered men’s since the beginning under its Citizens of Humanity label, the category still accounts for only about 5 percent of overall sales.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The information, classified as secret, pertained to military targets and Russian military capabilities, according to the plea agreement.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • While their exact design and capabilities are classified, Keyhole satellites are believed to provide the sharpest images of any spy satellite in orbit.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Not long ago, my wife and I brought in our daughter, Alice, who’d been out of sorts for a couple of weeks.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • There reportedly have been major discussions within WWE to move Knight to Raw as a fresh start of sorts, but for now, WWE’s happy medium is simply letting Knight appear on Monday nights without an official move to the red brand.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • LendingTree, the personal finance site, ranked the 100 largest metropolitan areas on five metrics of financial health, focusing on the ideal of living within one's means.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • Jack Draper: Second Round Stunner Draper entered Wimbledon ranked No. 4, the highest of a British player since Andy Murray.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Among the genre’s most iconic titles is the hit TV drama The Bridge.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • On the genre level — literate folk rock, hard funk rock and moody power pop — this three-band bill shouldn’t work, but for those who remember the changing popular musical landscape of the late 1990s and early 2000s, this is a fun refresher course.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Nelson advises selecting the right plant for the right place, considering its sun or shade preferences, and grouping them accordingly.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025
  • Memorial Day ceremonies in West Chester are planned each year by local veterans groups VFW Post 7696 and Havelock D. Nelson American Legion Post 681.
    Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The show also featured a regular segment on missing pets, in this case a dilute calico with a stripe down its nose.
    Frank Langfitt, NPR, 20 July 2025
  • Researchers in Palm Beach County are trying to figure out if patterns, such as stripes on a zebra, affect how lions chase prey.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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