type 1 of 2

type

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word type distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of type are character, description, kind, nature, and sort. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," 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

When can character be used instead of type?

While the synonyms character and type are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use description instead of type?

The words description and type can be used in similar contexts, but 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 kind be a better fit than type?

The synonyms kind and type are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When could nature be used to replace type?

Although the words nature and type have much in common, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When is sort a more appropriate choice than type?

While in some cases nearly identical to type, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

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 type
Verb
The Journal reported a letter, which appears to bear Trump’s signature, was typed inside the outline of a naked woman and sent to Epstein. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 23 July 2025 Its bezels aren’t overly large, and the keyboard feels great to type on. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 11 July 2025 When Sumit determined that Viraj could type with his right thumb, giving Viraj a way to communicate, the floodgates opened. July 11, CBS News, 11 July 2025 On breaks, journalists would sometimes bolt out of the courthouse, furiously typing or relaying notes to editors over the phone in an attempt to be the first to file breaking news. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for type
Recent Examples of Synonyms for type
Noun
  • The sports complex will be the first of its kind in Charlotte.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025
  • The Rockies and Nationals, two of the least active clubs on the trade front, haven’t made a transaction of any kind since 2009.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • This included a category specific to Texas resort hotels, which were rated on rooms/facilities, location, service, food and value.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
  • Recent research shows that widely read authors, including J. K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin, and Dan Brown may be in this category.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The company classified the fix and vulnerability as Priority 1 and Severity 1, a clear indication that the company recognized the potentially dire consequences had the vulnerability been exploited maliciously in the wild.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025
  • This year, Jim Bowden classifies 14 clubs as buyers, eight as sellers and eight as on the fence.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • The cooling, noncommittal, lightly distressed sound of Swag is an answer of sorts.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 26 July 2025
  • For Shank Hall, the cameo is a full-circle moment of sorts.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The National Renewable Energy Laboratory ranks Florida among the top five states for solar potential.
    Mark McNees, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
  • Only the 2021 Atlanta Braves ranked worse than 20th in strikeout rate during the regular season.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • This same thing is true when inventing new or combining genres in writing.
    Matthew Clark Davison, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
  • Osbourne's musical legacy includes many major hits and a wide mark on the rock and heavy metal genres.
    Gabe Whisnant Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The ducks all grouped together in front of the bride and groom, seemingly ready to pose for photos too.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • One caveat is that earnings reports tend to be grouped by industry, and the stats and narrative can change as different sectors take their turn in the hot seat.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • This works especially well for graphic prints or images with a bit of color-blocking, where the stripes can shine as the sole pattern.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 30 July 2025
  • One at the end of the casket that was covered by the flag's stars, the other at the end cloaked by the stripes.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Type.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/type. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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