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

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 characterize Our item about how tariffs are hurting cannabis workers incorrectly characterized some cannabis workers at Hepworth Farms in Milton, N.Y. James Barron, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 The large structure, characterized by a rotating floor and illuminated surfaces, will be positioned in a layout similar to that of a sundial. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Mar. 2025 The Problem For Users Improper verification systems result in a subpar user experience—one characterized by spam and irrelevant content—which directly affects a platform’s reputation and, thus, new sign-ups and retention. Rodger Desai, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Some commentators characterized these statements as tone deaf, given Oz's wealth and privilege. Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
  • The former Today host described how the aftermath of her diagnosis sparked a new wave of courage.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Relatives at the time described Hussain as a hard-working Pakistani immigrant who took a job as a livery driver to help support his wife and two sons, then ages 1 and 3.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Most of those listed have distinguished themselves as prominent Trump critics.
    Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The motion detection is smart, too, distinguishing between people, pets, and vehicles, which cuts down on false alerts.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Good American Family, released on March 19, stars Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass as Kristine and Michael Barnett, while 27-year-old Imogen Faith Reid portrays Natalia.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Rather, this musical is structured as a series of vignettes and relies on colorful images, repetitive language and whimsical movement to portray a community of dogs at work and play.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And Christian Nationalism – the belief that the United States is defined by Christianity – has grown.
    Fred L. Pincus, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Sample said constitutional scholars have differed on what exactly defines a constitutional crisis.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on characterize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!