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
Chaotic terrain is characterized by fractured, jumbled blocks of rock thought to have formed when underground ice melted and caused the surface above to collapse.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 May 2026
Initial findings suggested the presence of a non-Zaire strain of the virus, with sequencing ongoing to further characterize it, the agency reported.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The lush landscape is characterized by Mediterranean scrub dotted with dammusi, traditional stone homes with white domes that date back to the period when the island was ruled by Arabs.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Vocal fry is characterized by very low fundamental frequencies of around 70 Hz.
—ArsTechnica, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 May 2026
Initial findings suggested the presence of a non-Zaire strain of the virus, with sequencing ongoing to further characterize it, the agency reported.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The lush landscape is characterized by Mediterranean scrub dotted with dammusi, traditional stone homes with white domes that date back to the period when the island was ruled by Arabs.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Vocal fry is characterized by very low fundamental frequencies of around 70 Hz.
—ArsTechnica, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Rather than romanticizing the awards-season whirlwind, Coon described the logistical reality behind it that includes 18-hour days, early-morning events, parenting responsibilities and the invisible labor required to sustain a performing career.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
18 May 2026
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The event brought together pastors, fathers, mentors, activists, business leaders, former gang members and residents from across Chicago in what organizers described as a unified effort to promote safety, accountability and opportunity on the South Side.—
Greg Wehner , Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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But his team distinguished themselves through superior organisation with and without the ball, exploiting space to play to the specific strengths of their personnel.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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That framework, Yeon says, distinguishes Korean commercial cinema from other markets.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Verb
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As the normies, Teller and his naive wife, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, feel like kids playing dress-up.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
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That means seducing Paris Carver, Elliot's wife and Bond's ex, portrayed by Teri Hatcher.—
John Russell,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The best bits of Body of Work are defined by the ideas that don’t center Skeletrix in the frame, the half-thoughts and thorny passages that breeze past if you aren’t locked in.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
15 May 2026
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While World Cup organizers are heavily promoting certain songs, Herrera says many others will be vying to define the tournament this year.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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