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
But monkeys typing every day will eventually produce Shakespeare and stans needing attention every day will eventually arrive at face eating. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 May 2026 Users who prefer the traditional Google Search experience can still type in a question or a series of keywords to receive a list of blue links to various websites. Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 May 2026 Knowing when to pick up the phone instead of typing another message is worth figuring out. Nathan Green, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2026 On April 20th, Alex Sinclair, a novelist and part-time lecturer in Jewish education at Hebrew University, was typing away on his laptop at his favorite café in the city of Modi’in. Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • Entrepreneurs have launched first-of-their-kind ventures here.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • Colbert put his finger on the emerging embrace of alternative truths and conspiracy theories, a pick-your-facts hostility to experts and professionals of every kind.
    Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • There aren’t many historical comparisons for Bumila beyond the broader category of high school pitchers.
    Keith Law, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Even the most basic categories include a proper work setup, seating area, and oversized marble bathrooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • The incident being classified as a homicide, according to Skokie police.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
  • Silicone and plastic are both classified as polymers, but they are built differently at the molecular level.
    Ryan Brennan May 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Carusillo just experienced a media cancellation of sorts, a consequence of blithely recommending a beauty treatment in one of her articles that ended up putting influencers in the hospital.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • For one Yinzer, a high school reunion of sorts is set to take place — with his junior wrestling t-shirt, currently located on the other side of the world.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • As such, the Tax Foundation ranks Florida fifth on its State Tax Competitiveness Index, reflecting a competitive overall structure.
    Nicole Huyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • Across the sub-categories, the report highlights Boise, Idaho, as having the best park system for dogs, while Cincinnati scored best for playgrounds, and Boston ranked first for splash pads.
    Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Ferrari soon followed suit with the Dino 206 GT in 1967, but the Miura defined the genre.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
  • The Chicks lead singer has been known to battle and previously exchanged heated words with the late Toby Keith, proving that feuds within the popular genre are nothing new.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The state is divided into 20 Education Service Center Regions, in which school districts are grouped.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 12 May 2026
  • The countries of Asia are commonly grouped into five subregions—East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Western Asia (the Middle East)—as outlined below.
    Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The signature Adidas stripes add that old-school touch, while the low-profile shape keeps them modern enough to wear with just about anything.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
  • The remaining windows had orange and red stripes, the chain’s hallmark colors.
    Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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