as in trait
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the characteristic taste of licorice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the characteristic wit and good-naturedness of the Irish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU and lead author of the report, said that so far, the 2025 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to 1996, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2017.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
The natural yeast on the pineapple skin kick-starts the fermentation process, breaking down the sugar and producing that characteristic tangy flavor.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
His latest goal, at Bournemouth, rolled these characteristics into one move.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU and lead author of the report, said that so far, the 2025 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to 1996, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2017.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
While it was discovered that a majority of the damage was caused by winds of 135 mph or less, which would be characteristic of an EF2 storm, there was a small amount of damage indicative of EF4 wind speeds between 168 and 199 mph.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
The natural yeast on the pineapple skin kick-starts the fermentation process, breaking down the sugar and producing that characteristic tangy flavor.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
-
How to build a diversified investment portfolio Diversification is the strategy or process of spreading money among a mix or range of assets with different traits, especially risk levels.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
-
However, each type of storage has its own unique traits.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This distinctive hue, paler in the center and deeper around the edges, evokes the shimmering beauty of alpine glaciers and lakes and the change in their reflections as the light changes and time passes.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2025
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These minerals vary depending on the spring, giving sparkling water its distinctive taste profiles—from softly bubbly and subtly salty to bracingly effervescent with a sharp minerality.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Gaining insights into tariff talks would fall squarely within Beijing's typical spying domains, Gundert said.—
Sam Sabin,
Axios,
8 Apr. 2025
-
By the early 1960s, a typical Broadway season would field on average 60 or so shows.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The script, from first-time feature writer Nora Garrett, was a hot property among readers in recent years.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
4 Apr. 2025
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Even at such a low price, this unit is packed with features and performance, including a wide 180 degree viewing angle, sharp 2K video, smart object detection and more.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, temperatures are expected to be five to 12 degrees below normal, Lund said.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2025
-
The facilities have to make sure the calorie intake of the people who are fasting remains the same, so the first meal would be a normal breakfast while sunset would require a double tray of dinner.—
Shanzeh Ahmad,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That’s again, current to today’s world and an attribute to Taylor and the way that he’s scripted it.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Mar. 2025
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Our editors focused on key attributes such as quality, durability, comfort — especially for flying — and portability.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The case is composed of four distinct elements: two lateral sections, a case back and a bezel.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Kim’s hands give us critical theories and histories of governing lines, all the while conjuring distinct Deaf lines.—
Mara Mills,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Braking, via 4-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS, is efficient.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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The series, working with plenty of time never forsakes a standard television clip.—
Anthony Paletta,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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