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Definition of qualitynext
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quality

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word quality different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of quality are attribute, character, and property. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

When is it sensible to use attribute instead of quality?

The synonyms attribute and quality are sometimes interchangeable, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When is character a more appropriate choice than quality?

The words character and quality can be used in similar contexts, but character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When could property be used to replace quality?

In some situations, the words property and quality are roughly equivalent. However, property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

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 quality
Noun
Among the adjustments have been the installation of top-secret, top-quality communication gear tailored to the president’s duties. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026 Your plants only grow as well as the quality of their growing medium. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Adjective
Howard is posting quality minor-league numbers in five-on-five scoring and goal differential. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 These various services require quality legal representation tailored to each family. Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone february 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quality
Noun
  • Analyze the traits shared by successful long shots in past Derbies, and identify horses carrying those characteristics in 2026.
    Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • These were then vetted by the World's 50 Best Beaches team, who based the final ranking on eight criteria, such as unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature and crowds.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Countrywide, the vaccination rate wasn’t nearly as high as some other countries, but plenty of individual locations far exceeded the target Fauci set out.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • The budgeting process for PEPFAR funding is complex – Congress gives a five-year window for much of the money to be spent, but analysts say that the current rate of spending on the program is way behind compared to previous years.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • But on May 1, a particular kind of message was emphasized — dignity for workers.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • Before investing millions more yen in robotic experiments, the next policy response might be to meaningfully lift wages as part of a broader effort to restore dignity and status to the work itself.
    Catherine Thorbecke, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Korean nobility of bygone eras simply had better taste.
    Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In particular, popes wanted to select the church’s bishops rather than allowing nobility or a king to do so.
    Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Conversations around excellent kebabs in Southern California tend to begin with the Martirosyan family and their Mini Kabob in Glendale.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • The lighting, art design and score are all excellent – and the single shot construction gives the film a dreamy, meditative quality.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Update to the latest version to see all Vogue content, as well as new features like our Runway Genius quiz, Group Chats, and posts from Vogue contributors.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Indeed, Annecy’s official selection, which is dedicated to new releases, includes no fewer than 44 feature films this year, with 14 French films and 26 countries represented in the selection.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That makes their key players especially appealing for managers chasing rank or mini-league glory.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 4 May 2026
  • No one is exempt from their responsibility, regardless of rank or assignment, and all must answer for their actions and inactions.
    Sierra van der Brug, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Breyer is married to Joanna Freda Hare, a psychologist and member of the British aristocracy.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The lower classes and the clergy had always hated the Castilians, and the Portuguese aristocracy and the commercial classes—previously content with the patronage and the economic opportunities that the union with Spain had provided—had become dissatisfied during the preceding 20 years.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quality. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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