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
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
Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
Plant info gives a thorough rundown of the plant’s characteristics and native habitat.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Thick waxy leaves and berries have a characteristic wintergreen scent when crushed.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
The Wekiva Protection Area — which covers most of northwestern Seminole — was established in 1988 by the Legislature to protect the area's rural and environmentally-sensitive characteristics.
—Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
Plant info gives a thorough rundown of the plant’s characteristics and native habitat.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
It’s made using a blend of malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled in traditional copper pot stills, and aged in bourbon casks to develop its characteristic flavor.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Thick waxy leaves and berries have a characteristic wintergreen scent when crushed.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
-
Some might consider critical thinking a trait or capacity that teachers can encourage, like creativity or grit.—
Lightning Jay,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Their goal is to build a comprehensive database that answers many questions about the behavioral and genetic traits of our friendly felines.—
Manuela López Restrepo,
NPR,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Sifting through the sandy dirt of eastern Egypt, archaeologists found an ancient grave filled with distinctive artifacts.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Humans like to put things in distinctive bins, but nature is not so prejudiced.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The average cost of full coverage in the U.S. is now $2,638 per year, meaning the typical household spends 3.39% of its income on insurance for just one car.—
Ben Kesslen,
Quartz,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Hamilton is not the first driver to attempt to fulfill a childhood dream by ending his racing career in typical midlife crisis style — in his 40s with a brand new Ferrari and a second family.—
Olivia Hicks,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
While this research is an important first step, future research will need to expand these datasets, use satellite tracking to follow potential neonate movement, and explore whether other environmental factors, such as deep-sea features or seasonal cycles, play a role in whale shark reproduction.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Mark Anthony Green's feature debut opens on a heady scene with an audience intoxicated by the rhythmic melody of a figure on stage.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The bottom line: Volatility — though unnerving — is normal.—
John Towfighi,
CNN,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Are these normal things to think at this point in a serious relationship?—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Combining these human attributes with the right listening tools and communication channels will lead to meaningful engagement and success.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
-
There are not too many strikers who can match Van Dijk’s physical attributes in terms of pace, power, and height, and there are signs the 33-year-old plays slightly differently against Isak for that reason.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite sounding the same, the sewing and cooking meanings may have distinct origins but evolved similarly in English.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Being a woman in the clothing industry in the late 1980s allotted Walker a distinct space in the global fashion conversation.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Under California law, standard golf carts are allowed to operate solely on and around golf courses, according to Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, which has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles.—
Fernanda Galan,
Sacramento Bee,
16 Mar. 2025
-
The ad was standard political fare — a black and white picture of Moskowitz, looking forlorn, and ominous music in the background.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share