1
as in to describe
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
how would you characterize the mission of this environmental organization?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterize
However, Iran's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, characterized the talks as a good beginning.
—
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
In a news release, the mayor characterized the deal as his reaction to public complaints.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
In a 2021 Profile of Bongino in this magazine, my colleague Evan Osnos characterized him and Greene as similar figures.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Memorial Hermann characterized the move as a way to stay ahead of financial pressures impacting the entire health care industry.
—Julian Gill, Houston Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
In a news release, the mayor characterized the deal as his reaction to public complaints.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
In a 2021 Profile of Bongino in this magazine, my colleague Evan Osnos characterized him and Greene as similar figures.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Memorial Hermann characterized the move as a way to stay ahead of financial pressures impacting the entire health care industry.
—Julian Gill, Houston Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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While Indonesia is often described as one of Australia's most important neighbors, the relationship has seen periodic strains.—
NINIEK KARMINI,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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One other suspect – described as an accomplice – was also detained, the Committee said.—
CNN's Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since launching her Senate run in December, the progressive firebrand has distinguished herself with an unconventional campaign, eschewing traditional advice regarding key tenets of campaigning, such as fundraising and advertising output.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Feb. 2026
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This approach has distinguished thousands of individual types of brain cells, many more than previously known.—
Amber Dance,
Quanta Magazine,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The image became a meme, repeatedly used to portray Miliband as awkward.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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Barer will portray Zoe Gutierrez, a character featured in Holly Brickley’s 2023 novel, which the film is based on.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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What makes the current moment so striking is that the drift now appears to be reversing, cautiously and without the overexuberance that defined the post-WTO era.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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Yet the defining challenges of our era do not respect borders.—
Alan H.H. Fleischmann,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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