characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌka-rik-
: the act of characterizing
especially
: the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives
the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others
Examples of characterization in a Sentence
The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.
News reporting requires accurate characterization.
The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.
The story has good characterization.
Recent Examples on the Web
But Peter Grossman described characterizations of his wife driving drunk, racing and hitting the boys after going as fast as 82 mph in a 45-mph zone as inaccurate.
—
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Two generals agreed with Ashley's characterization, stressing the view that on the front lines, Ukraine was outmaneuvering Russia.
—Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Activists and school officials offered conflicting accounts of how the police raid unfolded, with administrators claiming that the protest had turned violent after prolonged efforts to end it peacefully—a characterization that student protesters strongly disputed.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026
Raman’s campaign rejected that characterization, arguing that voters are looking for a different approach to City Hall.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Two generals agreed with Ashley's characterization, stressing the view that on the front lines, Ukraine was outmaneuvering Russia.
—Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Activists and school officials offered conflicting accounts of how the police raid unfolded, with administrators claiming that the protest had turned violent after prolonged efforts to end it peacefully—a characterization that student protesters strongly disputed.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026
Raman’s campaign rejected that characterization, arguing that voters are looking for a different approach to City Hall.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterization
Cite this Entry
“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
1
: the act of characterizing
2
: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)
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