1
as in described
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
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2
as in distinguished
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of characterized
Kam and O'Shea exceeded all expectations with a performance characterized by spectacular lifts and fierce musicality.
—
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Lots of Gray Tones Morris is eager to move past all of the gray tones that have characterized homes in recent years.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Manufactured food may lead to obesity, the condition that's characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat cells or adipose tissue, while mental and environmental factors can also play a significant role, according to Lofton.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2026
Like hibernation, this dormant period is characterized by lethargy and a waning appetite during the colder months, according to Nationwide Pet Insurance.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
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 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
Analysts and former diplomats told CNN that successive British governments have failed to strike the correct balance on China, resulting in a policy characterized by mistrust, skittishness and incoherence.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Lots of Gray Tones Morris is eager to move past all of the gray tones that have characterized homes in recent years.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Manufactured food may lead to obesity, the condition that's characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat cells or adipose tissue, while mental and environmental factors can also play a significant role, according to Lofton.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2026
Like hibernation, this dormant period is characterized by lethargy and a waning appetite during the colder months, according to Nationwide Pet Insurance.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
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 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
Analysts and former diplomats told CNN that successive British governments have failed to strike the correct balance on China, resulting in a policy characterized by mistrust, skittishness and incoherence.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterized
Verb
-
As Doak described it, the department did not receive many complaints.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Mattarella described Coventry as Mattarella’s daughter.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Throughout their 52 years in operation as a family business, Elizabeth’s distinguished itself by honing concise and persuasive staff recommendations.—
Jess deCourcy Hinds
February 13,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Many variants of the body exist, the most flamboyant is the 202 MM, designed for the 1947 racing season and distinguished by two tail fins worthy of the fanciest guppy.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In vacating the life prison term in 2024, Cook County Judge Marc Martin found in part that Modrowski had been unfairly portrayed as emotionless and cold during his 1995 trial and sentencing proceedings when the characteristics were likely due to his autism.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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North Carolina legislators accurately portrayed a gap between how many people Immigration and Customs Enforcement picked up from Mecklenburg and Wake County jails through much of 2025.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In Contreras de Rondon’s case, there appear to be marked differences in the signatures on the document certifying her notice to appear and on her arrest warrant, though the same officer’s name is listed on both.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The first part of the film is marked by Bouzid’s documentation of the rituals of death.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In a media landscape increasingly defined by power and influence, the emails offer journalists a cautionary tale and a road map for covering the elite.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Healthcare’s next era will likely be defined by infrastructures that mirror those in fintech or logistics, systems that operate invisibly beneath the surface while enabling every stakeholder to move with confidence.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterized. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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