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
Relevance
2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterize
Her lawyers have vigorously denied any allegations and characterized the investigation as an act of political revenge.
—
Eric Tucker, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Mills characterized the demand as an infringement on academic freedom.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
Trump characterized the cities as in crisis and accused leaders of impeding immigration operations.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
However, this profile was also characterized by worse emotional recognition, the ability to identify others’ emotions, and visual episodic memory, the ability to vividly recall past experiences.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Eric Tucker, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Mills characterized the demand as an infringement on academic freedom.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
Trump characterized the cities as in crisis and accused leaders of impeding immigration operations.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
However, this profile was also characterized by worse emotional recognition, the ability to identify others’ emotions, and visual episodic memory, the ability to vividly recall past experiences.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Then layer the bulbs as described above, tossing organic fertilizer into the bottom of each layer to support root growth.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
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In response to a Star inquiry, the State Department confirmed Arrington’s role in obtaining the replica and described the former director as helpful and knowledgeable.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This figure does not distinguish between combatants and civilians and is disputed by Israeli officials, but is widely cited by Western sources.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Dean and distinguished professor for the school of management and labor relations at Rutgers University Mark Anner defined the wage gap as the difference between the prevailing wage (what workers actually get) and what they should be paid (the living wage).—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But no matter the intent — the intent can be right, but when things get misconstrued, or however the media wants to portray it, that leaves a void of silence and a lot of questions for the guys on our team.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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That pic won Safdie best director at Venice and earned Johnson the best reviews of his career portraying UFC fighter Mark Kerr.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If the peace holds, the region could enter a new era defined less by conflict than by the possibility of transformation, including the rebuilding of a post-Hamas Gaza and the normalization of Israeli relations with Saudi Arabia.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 Oct. 2025
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That same headbanging energy has defined her steady, albeit unconventional, political rise.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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