characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌka-rik-
: the act of characterizing
especially
: the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives
the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others
Examples of characterization in a Sentence
The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.
News reporting requires accurate characterization.
The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.
The story has good characterization.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, Cuban radio host Ninoska Pérez disputed that characterization, saying those released were not political prisoners.
—
Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
The available sources support and affirm the article’s characterization rather than present opposing arguments.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
For the Republican president, who did not appear in public Friday, the developments were the latest example of his triumphal characterization of the war appearing misplaced.
—Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Washington has boosted claims that attacks on Nigerian Christians by militants constitute genocide — a characterization the Nigerian government strongly refutes.
—Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
The available sources support and affirm the article’s characterization rather than present opposing arguments.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
For the Republican president, who did not appear in public Friday, the developments were the latest example of his triumphal characterization of the war appearing misplaced.
—Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Washington has boosted claims that attacks on Nigerian Christians by militants constitute genocide — a characterization the Nigerian government strongly refutes.
—Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterization
Cite this Entry
“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
1
: the act of characterizing
2
: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)
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