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

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 description Today's flight was the 23rd launch and landing for this particular booster, according to a SpaceX mission description. Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2025 While there are lots of percolating beats and pulsating electronic basslines and textures, her description is slightly misleading because the melodies and vocals are always at the forefront. Jem Aswad, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 Together, these missions have lofted about 1,100 payloads for more than 130 different customers, according to the Transporter 12 description. Mike Wall, Space.com, 14 Jan. 2025 Use the job description as a guide, but rewrite it in your own words. Julia Korn, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for description 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
Noun
  • The dramatized depiction of an investigation into Chandler’s claims against Jackson open and close the script, Puck states.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Her vivid depictions of climate change, inequality and resilience remain a testament to her unparalleled ability to look at the present and imagine what lies ahead.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The portraits of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were released earlier this month ahead of the inauguration.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The portrait of a contemporary Palestinian family and the complexities of its life in Israel premiered in Venice’s Orizzonti sidebar last September, clinching its Best Screenplay award.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Whenever a new social app is announced, there's an intense digital stampede as influencers of all kinds rush to claim territory in the new world.
    Kim Key, PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025
  • On Thursday, January 2, Wolfgang Puck's Bar & Grill at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas found itself in hot water — and not the kind meant for cooking.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to receiving praise for its comedic chops, the series has been lauded for its authentic, if sometimes overdone, portrayal of the world of the 1990s.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The other was for her portrayal of Joseph Stalin’s mother-in-law in an HBO movie about the former Soviet leader.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The cart immediately came out, as Benford looked to be out of sorts.
    Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
  • For some people, a junk journal is a visual diary of sorts, with notes and thoughts jotted in the margins.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Popular on Variety Set against the backdrop of Vallejo, Calif., during the late 1980s, the film paints a vivid picture of a city in freefall, according to the official synopsis.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The Investigation Discovery documentary (streaming on Max) is a compilation of many claims made against Brown over the years, strung together to create a picture of a violent man whom the entertainment industry has granted a pass.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • More street-savvy items include a velour tracksuit, windbreakers with reflective stripes, and argyle knits incorporating the brand’s signature CD Diamond logo.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Making a stable back-three system out of it is like painting stripes on a lion and calling it a tiger.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than months and years of definition and testing, changes should take place almost at once.
    David Hambling, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • That is the definition of local news and local journalism, especially when lives are on the line and when information is crucial.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near description

Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on description

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