quality 1 of 2

noun

ˈkwä-lə-tē How to pronounce quality (audio)
Definition of qualitynext
1
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind unfailing kindness is one of her many fine qualities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in rate
degree of excellence we expect a high quality of service in such a fancy restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in dignity
high position within society a glamorous invitation-only party for all the people of quality in the summer resort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in nobility
the highest class in a society the quality were inordinately proud of their bloodlines

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

quality

2 of 2

adjective

as in excellent
of the very best kind an antiques dealer who handles nothing but quality pieces

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word quality different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of quality are attribute, character, and property. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

When is it sensible to use attribute instead of quality?

The synonyms attribute and quality are sometimes interchangeable, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When is character a more appropriate choice than quality?

The words character and quality can be used in similar contexts, but character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When could property be used to replace quality?

In some situations, the words property and quality are roughly equivalent. However, property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

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 quality
Noun
What predicted everything was the quality of the human. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026 Royals relievers Daniel Lynch IV and Nick Mears worked around traffic, aided by some quality defensive plays. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026
Adjective
Howard is posting quality minor-league numbers in five-on-five scoring and goal differential. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 These various services require quality legal representation tailored to each family. —Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone february 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quality
  1. characteristic
  2. rate
  3. dignity
  4. nobility
  5. excellent
  6. feature
  7. rank
  8. aristocracy
Noun
  • This compression of the purchase funnel is now the defining characteristic of modern fashion commerce, separating market leaders from those struggling to keep pace.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
  • One of the defining characteristics of Nicole Wise’s first season as the Mater Dei softball coach surfaced again Thursday.
    — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 15 May 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Multiple independent measurements show that sea levels are rising along California’s coastline, though the rate varies by location due to local land movement.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • More Charlotte region growth stats Charlotte added more people (20,731) from 2024 to last year than the nine communities above it in growth rate did during the same span.
    — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Definition of rate
Noun
  • The language of covenant, liberty, moral responsibility, human dignity, and redemption helped shape the nation’s moral imagination from the very beginning.
    — Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • Major League Baseball is grinding through its second month with the daily dignity of a sport that has not yet figured out how to make a Tuesday Marlins-Rockies game feel like a gender reveal.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
Definition of dignity
Noun
  • The Korean nobility of bygone eras simply had better taste.
    — Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In particular, popes wanted to select the church’s bishops rather than allowing nobility or a king to do so.
    — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of nobility
Adjective
  • Christopher Sanchez has once again been excellent, and Jacob Misiorowski has often looked unhittable with over 14 strikeouts per nine innings.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The excellent, nonprofit gallery and incubator known as PlatteForum has moved around a bit over the years, and will reopen in the Art District on Santa Fe starting June 5.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
Definition of excellent
Noun
  • These features are designed to support a wide range of content creation needs, from interviews and vlogs to documentary and narrative filmmaking.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 20 May 2026
  • Historic details get the loving restoration treatment, while rooms are filled with vintage finds and new, luxe features.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • Smith has been bumped down to the college ranks.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • The skill that earned you the promotion is now the skill capping your rise to the executive ranks.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Definition of rank
Noun
  • The pair founded the company together in 2015; the row is a family squabble within the new AI aristocracy.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
  • College football has always been an aristocracy, and most fans like it that way.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Definition of aristocracy

Browse Nearby Words

qualities
quality
qualm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quality. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on quality

Nglish: Translation of quality for Spanish Speakers

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