character 1 of 2

noun

ˈker-ik-tər How to pronounce character (audio)
Definition of characternext
1
as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery

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2
as in eccentric
a person of odd or whimsical habits the junk dealer is certainly a character, but he's as honest as they come

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in morality
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong we need more people of sound character in public office

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4
as in reputation
overall quality as seen or judged by people in general the general character of the business appears to be good

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5
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind one of the distinguishing characters of mammals

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6
as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is

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7
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others the basic character of the work requires that an employee be able to work quietly and independently

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8
as in person
a member of the human race you wouldn't believe what kind of characters hang around the bus station

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character

2 of 2

verb

as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group formerly charactered as "the dark ages," that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of character are attribute, property, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When might attribute be a better fit than character?

The words attribute and character can be used in similar contexts, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When can property be used instead of character?

The synonyms property and character are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

In what contexts can quality take the place of character?

The meanings of quality and character largely overlap; however, quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

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 character
Noun
Not that Wald was the only candidate whose mercenary modus operandi fit the character. —Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025 Along with most of the original cast, Lewis appeared as his Munsters character in 1966’s Munster, Go Home! —John Russell, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
But Murthy said that no matter how many changes are made to character selection and rule sets, the Civilization series maintains a deeply colonialist worldview at its core. —Rollo Romig, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025 Even the red herrings wound up important to character development and/or plot points. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
  1. symbol
  2. eccentric
  3. morality
  4. reputation
  5. characteristic
  6. identity
  7. self
  8. person
Noun
  • The Southern Poverty Law Center tracks Confederate symbols and memorials displayed in publica spaces and across the country.
    — Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The illustration, which was styled to look like the cover of Time magazine, displayed the President’s fondness for crude symbols of power and wealth.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of symbol
Noun
  • Robert Redford delivers folksy wisdom as a local eccentric who once had his own dragon encounter, and even Karl Urban’s greedy logger is more of a nuisance than an outright villain.
    — Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Attracting talent for greater innovation hazards acquiring a few eccentrics whose gifts come wrapped in controversial packaging.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of eccentric
Noun
  • Elsewhere, an extra treat out of the showcase was this exclusive interview with Bullet Train Explosion director Shinji Higuchi, who talked casting singer-actor Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and the morality behind the film.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
  • There is no bedrock to build on, in the world or in morality.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of morality
Noun
  • The Chargers took the former North Carolina running back with the 22nd pick in the NFL draft on Thursday, adding another weapon to an offense that is hoping to solidify its reputation for physicality in coach Jim Harbaugh’s second season.
    — Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In true Bed-Stuy fashion, guests of all ages showed up in their best, reflecting the neighborhood’s stylish reputation.
    — Scarlett Newman, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This is highly specific work that depends on each plantation's unique characteristics, including location, soil type, and coffee variety.
    — Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Harvard must immediately reform its student discipline policies and procedures so as to swiftly and transparently enforce its existing disciplinary policies with consistency and impartiality, and without double standards based on identity or ideology.
    — Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Today, the two-story adobe residence is a local, state and national historic landmark offering year-round exhibitions, educational programs and cultural events that explore the many identities of the West.
    — Jasmine Desiree, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of identity
Noun
  • As of filling out this form: My self and my wife and my parents.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • That might be her 20-something self’s stance on her agency in the moment, but the woman looking back in her late 40s surveys the landscape with clear-eyed ownership.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of self
Noun
  • The former vice president, who lost to Trump in the November election, will give her most extensive public remarks since leaving office during the keynote at the San Francisco gala, according to a person familiar with the program.
    — CNN.com, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Go to a person who has vetted out skincare and who is really interested in taking good care of you, not taking your money.
    — Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of person

Phrases Containing character

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char
character
character assassination
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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on character

Nglish: Translation of character for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about character

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