type 1 of 2

Definition of typenext

type

2 of 2

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
Police, for example, could track down suspects based on what was typed in a search engine. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026 That’s funny, because even though kids are on Chromebooks all day, most of them aren’t learning how to type! Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026 And typing and talking have both been automated to a superhuman level by AI. Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 In reality, this technology's benefits would extend far beyond providing mere typing speed parity. Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • Some experts suspect that there may be several volcano archetypes — ones that prefer to throw out lava, for instance, or the especially explosive kind.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
  • The point of racially conscious practices of any kind shouldn’t be to hit particular numerical targets, but to improve, little by little, the institutions in a wealthy and powerful democracy that has not yet escaped the present effects of a deeply racist past.
    Stephen L. Carter, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Global companies already dominate the world's fastest-growing major consumer market across 20 product categories from soft drinks and spirits to savory snacks, detergents, and diapers, the report said.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 May 2026
  • Each puzzle has exactly one solution, so watch out for words or items that seem to belong to multiple categories!
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Such systems as the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 series, classified as one-way attack (OWA) UAVs, have been exported extensively to proxy groups and state allies.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • Rising costs already limit access to higher education for many, and recent federal policies incorrectly classifying nursing as a nonprofessional degree will only further restrict access to financing for nursing school applicants.
    Nicholas A. Giordano, STAT, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The appointment marks a return of sorts for Dantas, who curated a project by Vik Muniz for the 2013–15 edition of the Vancouver Biennale.
    News Desk, Artforum, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Heuermann was a giant of sorts — 6 feet, 4 inches and 280-some pounds — and a monster of a particularly gruesome sort.
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Here are three dividend-paying stocks that are highlighted by Wall Street's top pros, as tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • Survey respondents ranked Liberty Point and Liberty Ridge as their top school name choices, paired with either lions or coyotes as mascot options.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Leonie Swann’s début novel didn’t have much in common with any of these genres.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • This, to Dwane, is the most enticing part of the genre.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The Soviets produced many tank designs during the interwar years, which were similarly grouped based on the infantry/cavalry classification scheme.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
  • Rather than grouping artists around a theme, curator Miguel Rodez invited each participant to work within the circular format while maintaining their own visual language.
    Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The mountain bongo is a rare antelope known for its brown skin and distinct white stripes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
  • And amidst delicate stripes, elastic waistbands, and flowing silhouettes, pajama pants have gone from a passing trend to an absolute staple of the contemporary wardrobe.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 9 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on type

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster