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

Examples 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 Fast fashion is also characterized by the use of low-quality materials, continuous release of new collections and offering affordable prices that appeal to consumers. Presley Bo Tyler, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 Stage 2: The second stage is characterized by scarring surrounding the duct. Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024 Marin officials characterized the exemption as a way to provide more time for the county to do the right thing. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024 The guide characterizes Cariño as a Mexican and contemporary restaurant, where Chef Norman Fenton’s team offers a tasting menu of tacos with a modernist approach. Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for characterize 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
  • The victims were a woman and two men who were shot; the woman was left with injuries police described as life-threatening, according to The Associated Press.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 26 Dec. 2024
  • This involves completing a form that describes the bag, collects your contact and delivery info, etc.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Abbey Road is also back on the Top Album Sales chart, which doesn’t distinguish between purchase platform or format, but rather paints a complete picture of the bestselling musical releases in the U.S.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Israel's subsequent bombardment and ground invasion have killed over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.
    WAFAA SHURAFA AND TIA GOLDENBERG THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Full House alum will portray law enforcement officer Lieutenant Bishop in the upcoming procedural drama On Call.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Advertisement The new footage also offers glimpses of Superman’s civilian persona, Clark Kent, bustling into the offices of the Daily Planet, as well as his colleague Lois Lane (portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan) and nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Should there be laws about how AI purposes are defined, instilled, maintained, and overhauled (see my analysis of the legal facets of AI, at the link here)?
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Human technology and art are two institutions that are defined by their ability to surprise us.
    C. Brandon Ogbunu, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near characterize

Cite this Entry

“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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!