TYPE Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'type' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of type are character , description , kind , nature , and sort . While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," 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

Q: When can 'character' be used instead of 'type'?

While the synonyms character and type are close in meaning, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type. // research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

Q: When is it sensible to use 'description' instead of 'type'?

The words description and type can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When might 'kind' be a better fit than 'type'?

The synonyms kind and type are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping. // a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Q: When could 'nature' be used to replace 'type'?

Although the words nature and type have much in common, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses. // two problems of a similar nature

Q: When is 'sort' a more appropriate choice than 'type'?

While in some cases nearly identical to type , sort often suggests some disparagement. // the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

type 1 of 2

noun

ˈtīp

Definition of type next

as in kind

a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common what type of people do you generally hang out with?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in category

one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic a music store that has a good selection of all types of music, not just pop, rock, and rap

Synonyms & Similar Words

type

2 of 2

verb

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type type the birds by geographical range

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word type distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of type are character, description, kind, nature, and sort. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," 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

When can character be used instead of type?

While the synonyms character and type are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use description instead of type?

The words description and type can be used in similar contexts, but 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 kind be a better fit than type?

The synonyms kind and type are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When could nature be used to replace type?

Although the words nature and type have much in common, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When is sort a more appropriate choice than type?

While in some cases nearly identical to type, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

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 type

Verb

Testing the Wombat Willow Pro: Flexible Comfort The Wombat Willow Pro’s smooth keystrokes are very good for typing. —

Josh Gulick, PCMAG, 2 Feb. 2025 The polio type the Rockland County resident contracted was initially detected in the wastewater of Rockland and a neighboring county. —

Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 2025 BCIs have been used to lift food to a paralyzed user's mouth, for instance, or to select letters on a computer screen when typing messages. —

Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2025 Skip to the next and previous photo by typing j/k or ←/→. Tom Hill / WireImage / Getty Bettmann / Getty Ron Pownall / Corbis / Getty Wally McNamee / Corbis / Getty Crowds line up outside the Rivoli Theatre to see the motion picture Jaws in New York City in August of 1975. —

Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for type

Recent Examples of Synonyms for type

Noun

Having a workout routine of any kind is an awesome way to reap some of the amazing benefits of exercise, like a boosted mood, improved heart health, and better slumber.

— Christa Sgobba, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
Everything is processed, there’s no real meat of any kind.

— Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025