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
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Described as luxurious and mysterious, the jewel tone has universal appeal and a utilitarian characteristic that aligns with industries’ gender-inclusive approach to design.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
Nathaniel Moore
september 10, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
This characteristic texture helped researchers differentiate the lesions caused by osteomyelitis from those caused by other bone pathologies, like osteosarcoma and bone neoplasia (two forms of bone cancer).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
Foster self-acceptance by regularly affirming your son’s inherent value, and the value of other young men, irrespective of any kind of achievements, characteristics, and physical attributes.
—Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Described as luxurious and mysterious, the jewel tone has universal appeal and a utilitarian characteristic that aligns with industries’ gender-inclusive approach to design.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Charlotte Wood’s Stone Yard Devotional is characteristic of the first approach.
—Nathaniel Moore
september 10, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
This characteristic texture helped researchers differentiate the lesions caused by osteomyelitis from those caused by other bone pathologies, like osteosarcoma and bone neoplasia (two forms of bone cancer).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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On the other hand, balanced searching involves looking for both positive and negative traits for a more complete evaluation.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Still, coaches and teammates in Brooklyn praised his professionalism and defensive energy, two traits that could help him make a case for a limited role.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There’s no barbecue in Georgia quite like Fresh Air’s, and no restaurant better represents the state’s storied and distinctive style.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
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The brands that survive won’t be the most polished—they’ll be the most distinctive.—
Erik Huberman,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This isn’t your typical AI use case.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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The battery is said to last eight hours of typical use, and the charging case will now provide an extra 48 hours of battery on top.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These entries, laying out a monthslong plot in excruciating detail, revealed multiple visits to Tops Friendly Markets to survey the store’s layout and analyze a Google graph feature for the location’s busiest times.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
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Our favorite feature is the lace trim below the knee on the skirt that makes this dress stand out among similar styles.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Magnesium is needed to transport potassium and calcium across cell membranes and maintain normal heart rhythms.—
Jennifer Lefton,
Verywell Health,
16 Sep. 2025
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The weather when the sailor went missing were close to normal, according to Sky News Australia's Senior Meteorologist Rob Sharpe.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Both Nomad bikes are perfectly capable analog bikes in their own right, a rare attribute in a market obsessed with offering ever more speed and range.—
William Roberson,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Foster self-acceptance by regularly affirming your son’s inherent value, and the value of other young men, irrespective of any kind of achievements, characteristics, and physical attributes.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After the very recent birth of their child, Un has taken a break from the all-consuming demands of restaurateuring to attend to the entirely distinct all-consuming demands of early parenthood.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
14 Sep. 2025
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After monitoring them for two years, the researchers directly observed the birth of two different species of males with distinct genomes from a single queen.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And other components of the modern income tax — especially the standard deduction — have reshaped the SALT deduction and its importance over time.—
Joseph Thorndike,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The ground beef topping is like a cross between standard taco meat and bean-less chili.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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