1
as in describes
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 distinguishes
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterizes
In the past couple of decades, however, Czernowin has deëmphasized the frantic gesturing that characterizes so much latter-day modernism.
—
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Wilson’s approach to public life clearly has an element of what professional wrestlers call kayfabe—the winking, performative trollishness that now characterizes the online right.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
While the Journal characterizes the loss of funding as a death knell for the organization, LIV officials have been quick to point out that the league has been increasing its revenue this year.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
But the decision also characterizes the law as viewpoint discrimination (specifically here the desire to change someone’s LGBTQ+ identity), which is almost never allowed under the First Amendment.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Other weirdness characterizes the city’s plan beginning with the decision to put a tourism agency, Choose Chicago, in charge.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Even preschoolers there are taught to spot the online disinformation that characterizes 21st-century hybrid warfare.
—Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Wilson’s approach to public life clearly has an element of what professional wrestlers call kayfabe—the winking, performative trollishness that now characterizes the online right.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
While the Journal characterizes the loss of funding as a death knell for the organization, LIV officials have been quick to point out that the league has been increasing its revenue this year.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
But the decision also characterizes the law as viewpoint discrimination (specifically here the desire to change someone’s LGBTQ+ identity), which is almost never allowed under the First Amendment.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Other weirdness characterizes the city’s plan beginning with the decision to put a tourism agency, Choose Chicago, in charge.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Even preschoolers there are taught to spot the online disinformation that characterizes 21st-century hybrid warfare.
—Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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In an interview with the website Public Parking, the writer Lucy Ives describes ad-libbing a writing exercise to kill an awkward classroom silence.—
David O’Neill,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
-
Crain describes the situation as a broader pattern, arguing that the city has favored new development over maintaining historic and cultural sites.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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That framework, Yeon says, distinguishes Korean commercial cinema from other markets.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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What distinguishes Mannering’s approach is an emphasis on continuity and curation.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Verb
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In contrast to the article’s portrait of a formless contest, recent polling portrays a race that is becoming more structured.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
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Potts — who portrays Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy's infamous Meemaw — has been married to director and producer James Hayman since 1990 after having met on the set of the 1992 film Breaking the Rules.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Verb
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The villas were restored and updated, Conrad Orlando was introduced as the luxury hotel anchor, and Evermore Bay (the lagoon beach that now defines the property) was built from scratch.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
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These portraits are not only about style, but about perspective, identity, and the confidence that defines the Misela individual.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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