characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz 
ˈka-rik-
characterized; characterizing
1
: to describe the character (see character entry 1 sense 1a) or quality of
characterizes him as ambitious
2
: to be a characteristic of : distinguish
an era characterized by greed
Examples of characterize in a Sentence
How would you characterize the situation?
I would characterize this as a positive change for our company.
She had difficulty characterizing their relationship.
His personality is hard to characterize.
Farms and large flat fields characterize most of the area.
the beliefs that characterized Europe in the 15th century
Recent Examples on the Web
The coach characterized the relationship, which has gone through its ups and downs during an 11-year partnership, as being familial at this point.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Plans for a more extensive resolution, however, are stalled, and the relations between Hamas and Israel today are characterized by limited but persistent conflict, not progress toward peace.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
Patterson characterized the Chiefs’ move as a business decision, saying that a new domed stadium in Kansas was an offer that Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri could not match.
—The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Dec. 2025
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage—the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
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.
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Plans for a more extensive resolution, however, are stalled, and the relations between Hamas and Israel today are characterized by limited but persistent conflict, not progress toward peace.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
Patterson characterized the Chiefs’ move as a business decision, saying that a new domed stadium in Kansas was an offer that Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri could not match.
—The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Dec. 2025
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage—the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterize. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈkar-ik-tə-ˌrīz
characterized; characterizing
1
: to point out the character of an individual or group : describe
characterize him as ambitious
2
: to be characteristic of
tragic endings characterized her stories
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share