as in trait
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the characteristic taste of licorice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the characteristic wit and good-naturedness of the Irish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
There are nearly 50 species of pine trees native to North America with diverse characteristics and growing preferences.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
But all character potential is flattened by writing and direction that allows for just one characteristic apiece.
—David Benedict, Variety, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
Amid this surge in risk, CNBC has charted which states could be best prepared—and least prepared—for a recession, basing the findings on overall economic strength and other characteristics that could insulate an economy from a major downturn.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
There are nearly 50 species of pine trees native to North America with diverse characteristics and growing preferences.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
Adjective
The characteristic rash appears three to five days after initial symptoms, often accompanied by fever spikes exceeding 104 degrees.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
But all character potential is flattened by writing and direction that allows for just one characteristic apiece.
—David Benedict, Variety, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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Best traits: Freaky physical traits Styles is built differently.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
29 July 2025
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Her signature ultra-thin, arched eyebrows, a style trait belonging to her renowned ’90s aesthetic, were kept intact, while her lips glowed as if they’d been coated in a thin layer of chapstick.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Quantum Computing’s Emerging Capabilities and Threats Quantum computing works by harnessing the distinctive properties of atoms and subatomic particles.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Often mistaken for king snakes or milk snakes, coral snakes display distinctive red, yellow, and black rings encircling their bodies.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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On a recent Friday morning, a group of half a dozen neighbors and business owners in Fountain Square gathered near Leonard Street, looking prepared for a typical neighborhood cleanup.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 July 2025
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Regents selected the two most recent UT presidential appointments at University of Texas at Dallas and UTHealth Houston after a national search by a presidential search advisory committee, per the typical policy.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In 2024, Samsung launched its first phone with AI features.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Luckily, Meta has released several new features aimed at protecting teens on their two biggest platforms: Facebook and Instagram.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As volatility becomes the new normal, many leaders feel compelled to act faster, control more or push harder.—
Gamini Hewawasam,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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The results are limited to changes in normal brain aging, not Alzheimer's disease.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Major attributes must be considered, such as quality, security, performance and maintainability.—
Arthur Hicken,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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One attribute Ramsdale boasts which Pope does not is his strong ability to distribute with his feet.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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Tyr was a god of war, similar—though distinct—to Mars in Roman mythology.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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Ocean continues to build the brand’s visual identity by incorporating design codes that emphasize rugged materials, vivid color palettes, and unconventional shapes that are pushing the boundaries of traditional jewelry aesthetics while staying true to its distinct artistic vision.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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The final numbers include a max speed of Mach 0.94 (721 mph), an ultrahigh speed of Mach 0.92 (706 mph), and a standard cruise of Mach 0.85 (652 mph)—the latter delivering its benchmark range.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
26 July 2025
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The standard streetlights have since been installed, Ridley said, but the towering high mast lights remain in use as of late July, except during maintenance.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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