characteristic 1 of 2

noun

ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce characteristic (audio)
Definition of characteristicnext
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

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characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective characteristic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of characteristic are distinctive, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When could distinctive be used to replace characteristic?

While in some cases nearly identical to characteristic, distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When can individual be used instead of characteristic?

Although the words individual and characteristic have much in common, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When might peculiar be a better fit than characteristic?

The meanings of peculiar and characteristic largely overlap; however, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

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 characteristic
Noun
Underlying metrics aren’t bullish on the shape or characteristics of Sasaki’s fastball. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 The document doesn’t specify whether agents have been empowered to detain individuals based solely on these physical characteristics. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The Colossal team thus engineered two other genes that shut down black and red pigmentation, leading to the dire wolf’s characteristic light color without causing any harm in the edited gray wolf genome. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Apr. 2025 The quirky humor characteristic to details of the game such as night falling every 20 minutes and Steve’s collection of unisex turquoise blouses left behind in a storage unit with a vintage Atari also spawn laughs. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
  1. trait
  2. distinctive
  3. typical
  4. feature
  5. normal
  6. attribute
  7. distinct
  8. standard
Noun
  • While the natural traits and intellect of Gates and Allen were crucial for Microsoft’s eventual success, so too was their willingness to learn from an early failure and apply themselves in a new venture.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Language has often been cited as a uniquely human trait in arguments against extending rights to animals.
    — David Gruber, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of trait
Adjective
  • From its facial expressions to its distinctive chirp, the creature is wreathed in a kind of nostalgia that Eighties kids will remember from those early days trolling the VHS rack at their local Blockbuster.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • They were inspired by treasured calligraphy tools, and each brush features a unique walnut handle with distinctive grain.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • This means the storm was no longer feeding off ocean waters, and did not have the structural characteristics of a typical hurricane anymore.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • In a typical spring, apply the herbicide in early to mid-April.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of typical
Noun
  • The Department of Education appears to have removed a key new feature of the StudentAid.gov website that has allowed borrowers to track their student loan forgiveness progress.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The ability of car companies to charge users to activate some features is effectively the only reason the car’s systems need to communicate with cell towers.
    — Dell Cameron, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of feature
Adjective
  • Seeing the color Olo needed specific stimulation to push the vision beyond its normal limits.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Such intimidation may be normal in Putin's Russia, not in the civilized world!
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of normal
Noun
  • The risk tolerance of an organization will determine the weighting of these attributes or whether they'll simply be ignored.
    — Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • These attributes position the company as a forward-thinking leader in the denim industry, capable of adapting to market dynamics while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
    — SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of attribute
Adjective
  • Harvard University’s endowment, worth $53.2 billion at the end of its 2024 fiscal year, for example, consists of roughly 14,600 distinct funds.
    — Todd L. Ely, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Epic Universe, the $7 billion attraction from Comcast Corp.’s Universal Destinations & Experiences division, offers five distinct lands and opens to the public on May 22.
    — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • But in many states, the Real ID rollout has been optional, with some choosing a standard license, which might require fewer documents or a lower fee.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In Birmingham, where Southern Living is based, not every Dollar General has the butter, but many have both two-stick packs and the standard four-stick packages in stock, as well as both unsalted and salted varieties.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of standard

Browse Nearby Words

charactering
characteristic
characteristics
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Cite this Entry

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

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