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
Beyond these questions of wider exposure, this emanates from the film itself, whose characterization and depth just don’t convince as much as its atmospherics.
—
David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
When asked directly whether these actions could disproportionately affect Black political participation, Dolezal rejected that characterization.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 May 2026
But unfortunately his wooden characterization raises questions about what exactly Mei-Li sees in him.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
But despite his affinity for elaborate world-building and comic-book characterization, Owusu is not immune to breaking the fourth wall.
—Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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.
David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
When asked directly whether these actions could disproportionately affect Black political participation, Dolezal rejected that characterization.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 May 2026
But unfortunately his wooden characterization raises questions about what exactly Mei-Li sees in him.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
But despite his affinity for elaborate world-building and comic-book characterization, Owusu is not immune to breaking the fourth wall.
—Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 19 May 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 21 May. 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
