Thesaurus results for DESCRIPTION

Q: How is the word 'description' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of description are character , kind , nature , sort , and type . While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined. // not all acts of that description are actually illegal

Q: When might 'character' be a better fit than 'description'?

The meanings of character and description largely overlap; however, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type. // research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

Q: When could 'kind' be used to replace 'description'?

While the synonyms kind and description are close in meaning, kind may suggest natural grouping. // a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Q: When would 'nature' be a good substitute for 'description'?

The words nature and description can be used in similar contexts, but nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses. // two problems of a similar nature

Q: When can 'sort' be used instead of 'description'?

In some situations, the words sort and description are roughly equivalent. However, sort often suggests some disparagement. // the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

Q: In what contexts can 'type' take the place of 'description'?

The synonyms type and description are sometimes interchangeable, but type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group. // one of three basic body types

description

noun

di-ˈskrip-shən

Definition of description next

as in depiction

a vivid representation in words of someone or something we immediately recognized the man from our cousin's description of him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in type

a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common fixes small appliances and other things of that description

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word description distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of description are character, kind, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might character be a better fit than description?

The meanings of character and description largely overlap; however, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could kind be used to replace description?

While the synonyms kind and description are close in meaning, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would nature be a good substitute for description?

The words nature and description can be used in similar contexts, but nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of description?

In some situations, the words sort and description are roughly equivalent. However, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of description?

The synonyms type and description are sometimes interchangeable, but type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of description Police found a vehicle nearby matching the description and tried to pull it over, the post says. —

Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026 There was no description of particular emotions. —

Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 May 2026 That is the competitive moat and also an honest description of an entire category that has been running on testimonials. —

Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 The letters include Rodriguez-Singh’s descriptions of her living conditions. —

Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for description

Recent Examples of Synonyms for description

Noun

The clip, which promoted various conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, included a depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.

— Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Critics also felt the depiction of the 'Guryu Myeonryugwan' crown (a traditional royal headpiece historically associated with vassal state rituals) was incorrect.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Definition of depiction

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descries

description

descriptions

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“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of description

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