CHARACTERISTIC Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'characteristic' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of characteristic are distinctive , individual , and peculiar . While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class. // responded with her characteristic wit

Q: When could 'distinctive' be used to replace 'characteristic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to characteristic , distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy. // a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

Q: When can 'individual' be used instead of 'characteristic'?

Although the words individual and characteristic have much in common, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class. // a highly individual writing style

Q: When might 'peculiar' be a better fit than 'characteristic'?

The meanings of peculiar and characteristic largely overlap; however, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness. // an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

characteristic 1 of 2

noun

ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik

Definition of characteristic next

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

characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

as in distinctive

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group the characteristic taste of licorice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective characteristic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of characteristic are distinctive, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When could distinctive be used to replace characteristic?

While in some cases nearly identical to characteristic, distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When can individual be used instead of characteristic?

Although the words individual and characteristic have much in common, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When might peculiar be a better fit than characteristic?

The meanings of peculiar and characteristic largely overlap; however, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

Examples 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 characteristic

Noun

Always true to their spirit, each of these characteristics came to light last night in Brooklyn, where the brand celebrated their new capsule collection and pop-up with Nordstrom. —

Megan O'Sullivan, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 While it is generally assumed that consciousness in humans — or, say, octopuses — arose by accident, humans are actively tinkering with AI in a way deliberately intended to mimic the very characteristics associated with consciousness. —

Saul Elbein, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024

Adjective

It’s filled with atmospheric dust from the surface, which gives the atmosphere of Mars its characteristic reddish color. —

Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024 Low Vasopressin Large amounts of diluted urine and excessive thirst (polydipsia) are characteristic of a group of conditions formerly known as diabetes insipidus. —

James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for characteristic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic

Noun

On the other hand, Harris has a significant edge on many character and personal traits, and her personal popularity ratings are a little better than Trump’s.

Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
Many types of true lilies are classified based on specific traits, such as bloom shape and growth.

Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024