description

Synonym Chooser

How is the word description distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of description are character, kind, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might character be a better fit than description?

The meanings of character and description largely overlap; however, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could kind be used to replace description?

While the synonyms kind and description are close in meaning, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would nature be a good substitute for description?

The words nature and description can be used in similar contexts, but nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of description?

In some situations, the words sort and description are roughly equivalent. However, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of description?

The synonyms type and description are sometimes interchangeable, but type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 description But the character description intrigued Lee, a Korean-American actor, because the role was written as a character of Korean descent. Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 As a result, the body of each message named the recipient website by name and included a brief description of the service provided by it. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025 Johansson, 40, filed a restraining order against a man fitting Branham’s description in November 2023, according to The Blast. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025 Officers searched the area but did not find a person matching the robber’s description, police said. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for description
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
Noun
  • The effort is crucial to providing visitors a historically accurate depiction of the site during the battle, Amy Rogers, executive director of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and Museum, tells Axios.
    Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
  • One of the challenges of the Salome story has been its often-misogynistic depiction of Salome and her mother Herodias.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Everything inside is for sale, including the squirrel and deer portraits, the linen curtains and the twig chandelier.
    Katie Sweeney, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Boardman previously painted a portrait of Barack Obama following the 2003 death of Lawrence Williams, who had painted all 43 previous presidential portraits, according to the outlet.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Wednesday's jury award marks one of the largest of its kind since the advent of the #MeToo movement, as well as in New York state history, said attorney Brad Beckworth, of the law firm Nix Patterson LLP, in an interview.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • They’re elevated off the ground and deep enough to grow flowers or veggies of all kinds.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Your portrayal of her interiority carries the story.
    Willing Davidson, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Yang also noted that he's put in a lot of time and dedication to ensure that his portrayal of the former Ohio senator feels realistic.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Looking Ahead: The Race to Redefine Payments In the coming years, expect an arms race of sorts in the fintech world, as incumbents and startups alike pour resources into building or partnering for super apps.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Queen, a Baltimore native whose commitment to the state school was a coup of sorts for Maryland basketball, is projected as a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Having access to this kind of DNA evidence allows for researchers to build a more detailed picture of their lives.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The hospital had also uploaded Millie's picture to the same free platform, which is run by donations.
    Analisa Novak, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The fish’s body is generally yellow, with black scales forming a stripe down the side of its body, according to the study.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Cam Bates earning his stripes Sophomore wide receiver Cam Bates appeared in 13 games last season and caught the sole touchdown of his collegiate career against Portland State.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel This gel is formulated to offer a soft, flexible hold while boosting curl definition and delivering moisture.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This year’s Overlook Film Festival was filled with bold movies, many of which broadened the definition of traditional horror.
    William Earl, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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