character 1 of 3

Definition of characternext
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as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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character

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verb

as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group formerly charactered as "the dark ages," that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought

Synonyms & Similar Words

characterless

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word character different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of character are attribute, property, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When might attribute be a better fit than character?

The words attribute and character can be used in similar contexts, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When can property be used instead of character?

The synonyms property and character are sometimes interchangeable, but property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

In what contexts can quality take the place of character?

The meanings of quality and character largely overlap; however, quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

How is the word character different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of character are attribute, property, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When might attribute be a better fit than character?

The words attribute and character can be used in similar contexts, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When can property be used instead of character?

The synonyms property and character are sometimes interchangeable, but property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

In what contexts can quality take the place of character?

The meanings of quality and character largely overlap; however, quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

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 character
Noun
The older two initially resist their parents’ appeals to immerse themselves in nature, but the youngest, who is mute, explores the area and finds a magical tree inhabited by a group of extraordinary characters. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 2 Apr. 2026 Black and Hartman Black also appear as themselves, hosting a relationship podcast that plays a meaningful role in shaping the characters’ emotional journey. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 The finale chronicles the 15th hour of an exhausting and emotional July 4 work shift, where many characters are contemplating their future at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 Ganesh’s character has also spent a good amount of time this season pondering the next steps in her medical career after her plans to move back to her home state of New Jersey were disrupted. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
  • Like any other self-flushing litter box, this one needs to be connected to both a water source and a drain.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026
  • This group isn’t going anywhere if those two don’t get back to their usual selves.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • During the 2002 World Cup, fans across Africa celebrated Senegal’s upset victory over defending champion France, its former colonizer, as a symbol of liberation.
    Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Central to the story is Noah’s promise to Allie to one day restore a white house with blue shutters—an act that becomes a lasting symbol of devotion and attention to detail.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Policies were justified not with reference to morality or metaphysics but with citations of white papers.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In the winter of 2022, crowds around the globe protested after the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, taken into custody by Iran's morality police for how she was dressed.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Then, the spotlight shifts onto your ambitions, with Mars entering Aries on April 9, energizing your 10th house of boss moves and reputation, followed by a new moon that sets the stage for a fresh start in your career.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Mitski’s own reputation may have contributed as well, as a rowdier, more chaotic artist and audience probably wouldn’t have gotten the green light.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The best Rockies lineups have always offered a blend of characteristics.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Stanford School of Medicine prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This goes back to the idea of limitations becoming part of the film’s identity.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • His ability to write about love, loss and identity resonated with an enormous audience, making Hollywood, Ending one of the most anticipated fiction releases of the year.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • According to a source in the room, there were about 250 members of the donor community at the event, which cost at least $100,000 per person to attend.
    Gabe Kaminsky, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Assault with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In 2015, Robert Durst, a wealthy eccentric linked to two killings and his wife’s disappearance, was arrested by the FBI in New Orleans on a murder warrant a day before HBO aired the final episode of a serial documentary about his life.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • On her trail are a Báthory relative who is vegetarian (Thomas Schubert), his psychotherapist (Lars Eidinger), two vampirologists, a police inspector and a gallery of eccentrics.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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