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
They are characterized by a labellum or lip lined in red, purple or maroon that attracts pollinators.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Neuroscientists have mainly characterized them in brain slices, where neurons are alive and can be activated but aren’t attached to a living animal.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026
In a document distributed to prospective investors earlier this year, OpenAI characterized the ongoing litigation with Musk as a potential risk to its business.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Attorneys and investors involved in these tax exemptions would likely characterize it in a different way, McLaughlin said.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Neuroscientists have mainly characterized them in brain slices, where neurons are alive and can be activated but aren’t attached to a living animal.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026
In a document distributed to prospective investors earlier this year, OpenAI characterized the ongoing litigation with Musk as a potential risk to its business.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Attorneys and investors involved in these tax exemptions would likely characterize it in a different way, McLaughlin said.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Angels shortstop Zach Neto did precisely what Cora described.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Several days before the draft, McVay and Snead described their connection.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At times, the line between Blue Hills and McCrory’s political office became difficult to distinguish.—
Andrew Brown,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
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Half critic, half concierge, Edwards’ round-ups are generally distinguished by a cheerfulness.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The film stars renegade country singer Elizabeth Cook as a fictionalized version of herself, portraying an artist navigating midlife while contending with an industry that has never fully embraced her.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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However, director Antoine Fuqua made the conscious decision to use CGI to portray the chimpanzee.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But Friday was the collapse that may define their season.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Our world will continue to evolve rapidly — but the enduring values that define a person should not.—
Peter Folan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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