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
Khalil has denied characterizations being repeated by top Trump administration officials that his calls for a ceasefire and criticism of the Israeli regime amount to antisemitism and support for Hamas, which the U.S. designates a terrorist group.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
Farina pushed back against Roti’s characterization, saying the differences in achievement are influenced by demographic differences between District 205 and 210.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Freundlich, Hansen’s attorney, denies Wilson’s characterization of the events.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of walking away from negotiations -- rejecting the speaker’s characterization of the situation.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
Farina pushed back against Roti’s characterization, saying the differences in achievement are influenced by demographic differences between District 205 and 210.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Freundlich, Hansen’s attorney, denies Wilson’s characterization of the events.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of walking away from negotiations -- rejecting the speaker’s characterization of the situation.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
Cite this Entry
“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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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