1
as in to describe
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 to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterize
In recent years, Trump and conservatives have assailed DEI initiatives across American society, characterizing them as discriminatory.
—
Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
What's changed, however, is that each purchase is now characterized by a multitude of decision-makers, endless options and digital noise.
—Runki Goswami, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
According to Kingsley, the term fine hair refers to a specific hair texture—one that is characterized by the diameter of individual hair strands.
—Elle Turner, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2025
The world of top management is characterized by complexity and high expectations.
—Esmt Berlin, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for characterize 
Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
What's changed, however, is that each purchase is now characterized by a multitude of decision-makers, endless options and digital noise.
—Runki Goswami, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
According to Kingsley, the term fine hair refers to a specific hair texture—one that is characterized by the diameter of individual hair strands.
—Elle Turner, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2025
The world of top management is characterized by complexity and high expectations.
—Esmt Berlin, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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The way Gottlieb describes it, quite luxury in fashion involves using simple colors in high-end fabrics.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Jan. 2025
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The suit also detailed other racially motivated incidents including an October 2020 video class meeting overtaken by white students who used racial slurs to describe their Black classmates.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Most immigrants without legal status in the state, about 2.4 million people, have resided here for more than a decade, a factor that distinguishes California from other parts of the country.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2025
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These personal touches are what distinguishes your space turns the house into a home.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Chalamet recently portrayed Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, the biopic directed by James Mangold, and performed all of his own vocals in the film.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
19 Jan. 2025
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Both films are about the preposterous beauty standards foisted upon women in our modern culture, yet both films seem determined to make these same women suffer, while portraying men as mostly bumbling buffoons whose chief infractions are wandering eyes.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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With a Republican trifecta, conservatives have a unique opportunity to define what pro-family and pro-life governance truly means.—
Daniel Darling,
National Review,
20 Jan. 2025
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Each is defined by bold color choices and original architectural elements for the perfect blend of old and new.—
Jessica Macdonald,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near characterize
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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