as in trait
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the characteristic taste of licorice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the characteristic wit and good-naturedness of the Irish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025
Rain that had gathered moisture among warmer temperatures and taken on the characteristics of an atmospheric river delivered two warm storms starting late last week that brought flooding to the North Bay, and high rainfall totals elsewhere.
—Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
With characteristic narrative economy, the movie opens with a short recap of Robert’s early life.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
Beyond that, it’s expected that the new 911 Dakar will have many of the same characteristics as the old one: an air intake that designed for off-roading and a suspension that sits higher than a normal 911.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025
Rain that had gathered moisture among warmer temperatures and taken on the characteristics of an atmospheric river delivered two warm storms starting late last week that brought flooding to the North Bay, and high rainfall totals elsewhere.
—Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
With his characteristic affability barely concealing cutting commentary, Mulaney then praised Netflix for believing in his show.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
With characteristic narrative economy, the movie opens with a short recap of Robert’s early life.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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According to Lalich, there’s one consistent trait among those who join cults, online or otherwise: idealism.—
David Peisner,
Rolling Stone,
23 Feb. 2025
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But this pigment is not very efficient under today’s environmental conditions, so why cyanobacteria evolved this trait has remained a bit of a biological mystery.—
David Bressan,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Now, scientists may have discovered the potential source of that distinctive coloring, overturning a popular theory in the process.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
25 Feb. 2025
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The price history reflects the challenges of finding a buyer for such a distinctive property.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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What makes the London TV Screenings so important for Beta, and the whole industry, the company says, is that the event caters perfectly to buyers’ demand to actually watch programs instead of the typical trailer-speed-dating-type meetings.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2025
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While those early performances cemented his status as the typical dorky average-Joe teen, Hall evolved into a versatile actor who has played heroes, villains, and everything in between.—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Elizabeth Olsen doesn’t appreciate Alicia Vikander meddling in her plan to start a family in the trailer for the sci-fi feature The Assessment.—
Ryan Gajewski,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
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Zoho Books makes a strong case for itself with its affordability and expansive features.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Warm in the West By early next week most, locations west of the Mississippi River will also warm to much above normal, with temperatures as much as 10 to 25 degrees above average, the Weather Prediction Center said.—
Doyle Rice,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
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Newsweek reached out to the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment via email outside normal business hours.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This can help avoid surprises and ensure maximum utilization of these valuable tax attributes.—
Shaune Scutellaro,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
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While none has the ‘all-in-one’ attributes managers want from a modern centre-forward, Jackson is the closest to connecting the dots.—
Carl Anka,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This is classic mosaic evolution, where different parts of the anatomy evolve at distinct rates.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
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Resisting the label of fusion, Twitty describes the dish as an homage to flavors that highlights the intersections between distinct culinary traditions.—
Danielle Dorsey,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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For people who forget or miss the deadline altogether, the standard penalty is 5% of the tax due for every month the return is late, up to 25% of the unpaid balance.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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Each new generational WiFi standard evolution claims vast speed and bandwidth improvements.—
Anthony Karcz,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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