1
as in to describe
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterize
The precise nature of this concern is a bit difficult to characterize.
—
Adam Kadlac, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
It’s characterized by dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
But since then, Roan has been characterized as an abrasive, difficult, and bratty pop star by critics.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
Analysts at Mizuho, for example, urged investors not to overreact, characterizing the move as typical profit-taking after a strong rally.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Adam Kadlac, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
It’s characterized by dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
But since then, Roan has been characterized as an abrasive, difficult, and bratty pop star by critics.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
Analysts at Mizuho, for example, urged investors not to overreact, characterizing the move as typical profit-taking after a strong rally.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Rabbi Irwin Kula, the panel’s moderator, asked the participants to describe their biggest fear or nightmare.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
In 2024, Contra Costa County investigators searched a ravine and found the ladder Matthew Muller described using to climb into a family's house weeks after the March 2015 attack on Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn.—
Lauren Clark,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Published in 2021 by a team of scholars in such fields as Jewish studies and Holocaust history, it was created to help distinguish hatred of Jews from criticism of Israel.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Cook also said Idaho State Police does not have a test that is able to distinguish between synthetic and natural-leaf kratom.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The book portrays an authoritarian near-future Russia where most entertainment and all news comes through Cameras, people wired to transmit their experiences directly from their brains to the internet.—
Stephanie Burt,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
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Fisher will portray the recurring role of Michael Jorie, a dangerous killer with a warped sense of righteousness and piety to his beliefs that fuel his involvement in a southwestern gang with a long history of violence.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sets by Illenium, Steve Aoki, BZRP, Vintage Culture, Armin Van Buuren, Alesso, Martin Garrix, Eric Prydz, Sara Landry, Major Lazer and others highlight a night defined by big production and packed audiences.—
Miami Herald newsroom,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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The girl everyone thought Vlasis was, is the pop-star Madonna who at the time was emerging as a major Hollywood It-girl, and would later become a cultural phenomenon that defined the 80s and 90s.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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