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
In the early 2000s Rosato was diagnosed with a rare mental illness called Capgras syndrome, which is characterized by delusions of one’s family members being replaced by impersonators.
—
John Russell, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Stam, now 52, was indeed characterized by brute force throughout his career.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
These are characterized by high amounts of calories, fat, sugar, and/or salt — and low nutrient value.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025
Wood was a New York city real estate speculator and former mayor of New York whose terms were characterized by authoritarian rule and political corruption.
—Richard Stengel, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
John Russell, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Stam, now 52, was indeed characterized by brute force throughout his career.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
These are characterized by high amounts of calories, fat, sugar, and/or salt — and low nutrient value.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025
Wood was a New York city real estate speculator and former mayor of New York whose terms were characterized by authoritarian rule and political corruption.
—Richard Stengel, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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The untitled movie is described as an original event film created and helmed by the iconic director.—
Pamela McClintock,
The Hollywood Reporter,
18 Feb. 2025
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Nordquist’s mother, Linda, described her son as a man with a romantic heart and told Syracuse.com that Nordquist left home to pursue a romantic relationship.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The war in Gaza has resulted in more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
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The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, distinguished as the richest person in the world, has been especially controversial since Trump's inauguration.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, Echikunwoke will portray Lt. Gabrielle Bennett, a former trainee of Jason’s at the Philly PD.—
Gabriela Silva,
TVLine,
24 Feb. 2025
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Last year, an online sketch portrayed a traditional Korean first-birthday celebration in ten years’ time: the World Cup stadium hosts the festivities for a crowd of ten thousand, including the country’s President.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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By Raja Shehadeh Save In this short, pained meditation, Shehadeh, a renowned Palestinian writer and human rights advocate, puzzles over the conflict that has defined his life.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
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Politics defines which grants get funded and what gets attention.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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