characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz 
ˈka-rik-
characterized; characterizing
1
: to describe the character (see character entry 1 sense 1a) or quality of
characterizes him as ambitious
2
: to be a characteristic of : distinguish
an era characterized by greed
Examples of characterize in a Sentence
How would you characterize the situation?
I would characterize this as a positive change for our company.
She had difficulty characterizing their relationship.
His personality is hard to characterize.
Farms and large flat fields characterize most of the area.
the beliefs that characterized Europe in the 15th century
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s characterized by new weakening in muscles previously affected by polio, as well as seemingly unaffected muscles.
—
New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025
The official characterized the attacks as an opening salvo against the Houthis and sends a strong message to Iran.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025
Miron Crosby Celeste Boots $2,795 Miron Crosby The boots—which are handcrafted on both sides of the Rio Grande in Mercedes, Texas, and Leon, Mexico—are characterized by creative prints, exotic leathers, playful stitching, and interesting details like feathers and cutouts.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
The British subculture of the mid aughts was characterized by its heavy and hectic DIY disco sounds, and a defining aesthetic of fluorescent clothing.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
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New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025
The official characterized the attacks as an opening salvo against the Houthis and sends a strong message to Iran.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025
Miron Crosby Celeste Boots $2,795 Miron Crosby The boots—which are handcrafted on both sides of the Rio Grande in Mercedes, Texas, and Leon, Mexico—are characterized by creative prints, exotic leathers, playful stitching, and interesting details like feathers and cutouts.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
The British subculture of the mid aughts was characterized by its heavy and hectic DIY disco sounds, and a defining aesthetic of fluorescent clothing.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterize. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈkar-ik-tə-ˌrīz
characterized; characterizing
1
: to point out the character of an individual or group : describe
characterize him as ambitious
2
: to be characteristic of
tragic endings characterized her stories
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