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
Those tasks include a wide variety of responsible, confidential and complex clerical duties; compiling, typing and proofreading documents; compiling and maintaining confidential materials; and responding to inquiries. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado january 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026 According to a study by The Washington Post, typing and sending a 100-word email requires the equivalent of a half-liter bottle of water. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Jan. 2026 The problem emerged after the launch last year of Grok Imagine, an AI image generator that allows users to create videos and pictures by typing in text prompts. Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 Actually writing down someone’s number rather than just typing it into your smartphone). Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • Under that proposal, liquor stores, vape shops, pawn shops and payday lenders would have to be 1,000 feet from an existing business of the same kind, either in a direct line or through an intersection.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In 2023, the Manteca Chief of Police crafted a first-of-its-kind local ordinance specifically to stop swerving.
    Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But there’s no one on any planet that could read anything but a small sampling of the books that come out in a particular time period, even in a certain category.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Carolina Panthers’ defense improved in almost every major statistical category from 2024 to 2025.
    Mike Kaye January 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The department classifies Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under its highest Level 4 advisory, warning Americans about issues of terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and more.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Those only include what the police classify as murders or non-negligent manslaughter.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In the days following the Ole Miss game, Harmon didn't appear to be out of sorts.
    Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Later on, a smaller group of us from the ship recalled feeling absolutely out of sorts as we were guided into a large communal space, stripped out of our robes, and each scrubbed and bathed on top of our own warmed marble slabs.
    Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Joseph’s most recent work in Denver, however, happens to be some of the most impressive as the unit ranked second in total defense, third in scoring and in the top-ten against both the run and pass.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The top three were ranked good, better, and best after the coach's signature catchphrase.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The residency show is a bit of a love letter to the music idols and genres from decades past.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Jiménez was one of the biggest names in the genre known as música popular, a blend of traditional Mexican ranchera music with Colombian sounds born in the country’s coffee-growing region, which includes Jiménez’s birthplace of Calda, Billboard reported.
    Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Their work laid the foundations for today’s nuclear propulsion concepts and led to several ideas for INRs, which can be grouped into two categories.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Instead, designers are favoring a few consistent shapes, aligned and grouped just so.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • They can easily be transitioned from lounging at home to a street-ready outfit or casual traveling, as the stripes can be mixed and matched with a wide range of tops like blazers, denim jackets, and simple tees—all without looking sloppy.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Against Orlando, the Wizards shot 31 for 33, marking a season-high in makes from the charity stripe.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on type

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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