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
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
Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
—Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Yet, the response from Chelsea was characteristic of their manager.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
But one of the characteristics that differentiates AI is its impact on highly skilled jobs.
—Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
—Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Adjective
The characteristic measles rash then appears three to five days after the initial signs, starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.
—Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Yet, the response from Chelsea was characteristic of their manager.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
-
The study found that, once again, this trait strongly predicted breadcrumbing, and was also associated with ghosting behaviors.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Compared with the other dragons in the original, which character designer Nico Marlet imagined with comically lopsided proportions — bulgy eyes, oversize heads, ungainly fangs — Toothless was an elegant mix of feline and canine traits, mapped onto a sleek black reptilian body.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
Botanical Name: Petunia hybrids Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Medium, well-draining, average fertility Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-7.0) 09 of 11 Rosemary The fragrant, needle-like foliage of rosemary will repel flies but add a distinctive flavor to your recipes.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
13 June 2025
-
However, that distinctive green bottle of Curve with its gold lettering remains vivid in my mind’s eye, and its contents continue to tell his story.—
Stixx Mathews,
Essence,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Ordinarily, between 1,700 and 2,000 job orders are posted during a typical day shift, and between 1,100 and 1,400 are posted during a standard night shift.—
Caroline Petrow-Cohen,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
-
The show ran for four seasons until 2011 and followed a typical teenager who secretly had a double life as a famous pop star.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Standard features of note include a Victron dual-lithium battery electrical system with 3,000-W inverter and smart control panel, 250-L fresh water capacity, underfloor heating, Truma Combi diesel air and water heater, and a 2.4-kW Truma rooftop air conditioner.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 June 2025
-
The refresh rate has also become an important feature.—
Luke Larsen,
Wired News,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
At the World Championships, Metcalfe saw a competitor achieve a 100kg deadlift and decided to push herself beyond her normal limits.—
Andy Frye,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
In normal circumstances, the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act barring U.S. soldiers from acting like law enforcement in the U.S. But the Insurrection Act, first enacted in 1792, allows the president to deploy the military inside the U.S. to help civilian law enforcement with law enforcement duties.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Maybe being great at 10 out of 10 things makes a team member an A-plus, but if someone just has 7 out of 10, then focus on enhancing those key attributes even more.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
Blue has all the attributes needed to be a great rescue dog to the right home and family.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Pullman Market follows in the footsteps of Eataly before it, but this complex’s concepts are so much more distinct and delicious than anything that forebear has offered.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
-
Research suggests disengagement isn't simply the absence of engagement but a distinct psychological state with its own antecedents and consequences.—
Jonathan H. Westover,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
The standard Grand Prix mode is present and correct.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
-
Morning choices include a classic buffet with standard fare, such as an omelette station, fresh fruit, and local cheeses.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share