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
Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.
—
Andrew Ford, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
In other words, the star hasn’t entered the chapter of its life known as the main sequence — one that characterizes many stars, including our own.
—Robin George Andrews, New York Times, 22 July 2025
In the early 1880s, however, youth and energy characterized the men who occupied the top floor of 57 Broadway.
—Henry Wiencek
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
If the post-Soviet years saw a wholesale redistribution of property away from the Russian state through rapid privatization, the Ukraine war years are characterized by the reverse.
—Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Andrew Ford, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
In other words, the star hasn’t entered the chapter of its life known as the main sequence — one that characterizes many stars, including our own.
—Robin George Andrews, New York Times, 22 July 2025
In the early 1880s, however, youth and energy characterized the men who occupied the top floor of 57 Broadway.
—Henry Wiencek
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
If the post-Soviet years saw a wholesale redistribution of property away from the Russian state through rapid privatization, the Ukraine war years are characterized by the reverse.
—Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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The Grand Canyon has never been adequately described in words or music notes.—
Tom Zoellner,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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The documents shed light on how former friends and fellow students described him, the disturbing murder scene at the King Road house, what his first interview with officers after his arrest entailed and Kohberger’s life in prison.—
Elise Hammond,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians and operates under the Hamas government.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Aug. 2025
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What truly distinguishes Gunn is his commitment to uplifting fellow photographers.—
Jon-Michael Banks,
Kansas City Star,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Players will investigate real manuscripts and historic accounts that complicate established theories; probe characters portrayed by actors and explore restricted areas in landmark monuments, some of which have never been accessed by non-custodians.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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The panel presented an animation that portrayed the progression of both aircraft before the collision.—
Ben Mause,
Baltimore Sun,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Digital Transformation Propelled by Emerging Technologies Significant technical innovation is defining the transformative digital age.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Medical records reportedly revealed that Hogan was previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation — a heart condition defined as having an irregular heart rhythm — and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a form of cancer.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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