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

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
And typing and talking have both been automated to a superhuman level by AI. Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 My favorite bed-writer is Edith Wharton, who wrote longhand, dropping pages to the floor for her secretary to gather and type up in an adjoining room. Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026 In reality, this technology's benefits would extend far beyond providing mere typing speed parity. Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026 By the end of the day, even simple tasks like typing became difficult. Ted Scouten, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • The first-of-its-kind arrangement marks a tectonic shift for Florida’s largest school district, where charter schools have operated in their own facilities rather than district property.
    Garrett Shanley, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The shop leans into dense, old-school ice cream — the kind that comes out of the freezer firm and packed with flavor.
    Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This year’s inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lean far too male and over 60, with the class consisting of only six women spread among all of the categories — a disappointing decline after some notable changes following the departure of chairman Jann Wenner.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
  • First-time filmmakers are well represented, and several of this year’s winners fall into that category – an early boost that can make a real difference when trying to get a project made.
    Lise Pedersen, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • He was charged with battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling in September 2023, and with battery that May — both classified in court records as misdemeanors.
    Claudia Lauer, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The species is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a classification that reflects both the remaining threats facing the animals and the significant progress conservation efforts have made.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As a Jewish food writer and anthropologist of sorts, Joan Nathan had always been interested in her own family’s history.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
  • And the paintings began, in part, as a meditation on erasure—a rebuke, of sorts, to a digital regime that had abandoned writing’s tactility.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His athletic metrics rank among some of the best in recent years.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Dugger was ranked as the 365th-best overall prospect by ESPN and was tabbed as the 25th-best linebacker in a New York Times special draft section.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some observers are perplexed as to why a serious adult drama is attracting the level of fan scrutiny usually reserved for genre material.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
  • When speaking to Rolling Stone for its Future of Music special last month, BigX laid out his intention to be the best artist in the world and how that required him to take risks while exploring new genres.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In a study published in Science Advances on Wednesday, Michaelson and his team grouped regions of the human genome by age and looked for which groups tracked closest to language ability.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
  • This is why phone numbers are grouped, why logos matter, and why early childhood learning relies heavily on shapes and visual associations.
    Jay Gardiner, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The stripes were perfect; the grass was perfect; and the no-go zones remained untouched.
    Joe Salas April 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026
  • What that means for Grindr users right now is that their profile grid will always contain one square devoted to Madonna, reclining in a fuchsia body stalking with zebra stripes projected over her.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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