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
Often characterized by high student debt and specialized training, these fields create particular challenges for workers seeking to pivot careers.
—
Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Ostensibly, all of these actions were taken because of the university administrators' approach to protests about the conflict in Gaza, which the administration has characterized as allowing antisemitism.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
From his early days at the NBA Academy to the bright lights of March Madness, his journey has been characterized by humility, resilience, and purpose.
—Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The document also characterized a hypothetical invasion of Taiwan as a scenario that should be given higher priority than other potential emergencies, the Post said.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Ostensibly, all of these actions were taken because of the university administrators' approach to protests about the conflict in Gaza, which the administration has characterized as allowing antisemitism.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
From his early days at the NBA Academy to the bright lights of March Madness, his journey has been characterized by humility, resilience, and purpose.
—Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The document also characterized a hypothetical invasion of Taiwan as a scenario that should be given higher priority than other potential emergencies, the Post said.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Born in Naples, his songs are described as a blend of Neapolitan, blues, jazz and world music.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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The problem described in the lawsuit is that even for domestic travel, if a driver's license and passport identify a person by different sexes, Transportation Security Administration officials accuse the person of holding a fraudulent document.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Israeli strikes across Gaza continued, killing at least 21 people in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but says most of the over 50,000 Palestinians killed in the war have been women and children.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
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At least 26 people have been killed and more than 100 others wounded in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the 1998 classic — which saw Lindsay Lohan in her film debut — Quaid portrayed vineyard owner Nick Parker, the father of twins Hallie and Annie (both Lohan), who convince him to reunite with their mother Elizabeth (played by Natasha Richardson).—
Brendan Le,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Oscar winner portrays a former president leading an investigation in the aftermath of a deadly national cyber attack.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Strategic decisions made now, around technology investments, partnerships, and customer education, could determine whether a bank remains competitive in a world increasingly defined by digital currency frameworks. 5.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The line defines short cruises as ranging from four to six nights and mid-length sailings as seven to nine nights, while longer cruises are 10 or more nights.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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