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
Standing before the microphone on the Constitution Hall stage, Nikhil asked for the latter word’s definition, language of origin and other identifying information while his fingers mimed typing. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 Converging evidence in motivation research suggests writing goals by hand increases commitment and follow-through more than typing them does. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026 In contrast to a chatbot where users type in prompts into a chat box, Claude for Small Business works 24/7 running 15 different workflow actions. Terdawn Deboe, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Some of our favorite responses will be featured in our live coverage, so get typing. Michael Dominski, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • For this reason, try to put your hummingbird food far from other bird feeders and, if possible, position several hummingbird feeders across your yard so aggressive hummingbirds can keep a safe space from their own kind.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
  • And by the way, all companies are creating value of some kind.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • 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, 28 May 2026
  • Now Kalshi has launched a new category that will let users bet on phenomena like the prices of individual artworks at auction as well as total sales values at particular art auctions.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Those with motors of a certain size are legally classified as mopeds or motorcycles and cannot legally be ridden by anyone younger than age 16.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • Most of the people at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Central Pennsylvania don't have a criminal record and are classified as low-security detainees, said Deluzio, who lives in Fox Chapel and represents parts of Allegheny County and all of Beaver County.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 29 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
  • Despite those actions, the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a joint project from Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia that analyzes items moving through Congress, ranked DeGette as below average in effectiveness in eight of 14 terms analyzed.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • More than two months into the season the Red Sox still rank among MLB’s most disappointing clubs, and a wholesale staff purge has done little to change the team’s fortunes.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • What Gen Z wants to watch Of course, Gen Z has some genre-specific preferences, and Hollywood appears to be playing to them.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 30 May 2026
  • Bibliophiles can stroll through exhibits showcasing library lore that highlights the enduring enchantment of books, along with the Book Fair offering various genres of books for sale, such as mystery, sci-fi, and romance.
    Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The ball appeared to cross the goal line upon first glance, drawing roars from the nearby River Guard supporters group mere feet away, but the watching linesman ruled the ball wasn’t completely over the line and called for play to continue.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026
  • Under bee rules, spellers are grouped by their number of correct answers.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Instead, Hargitay proved that Adidas Sambas are still a celeb favorite for a reason, opting for classic white sneakers with electric blue stripes for an effortlessly cool finishing touch.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 30 May 2026
  • Patterns range from stripes to polka-dots to florals, and the swim dress is available in sizes XS to 22 plus.
    Claire West, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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