1
as in describes
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 distinguishes
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characterizes
But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.
—
ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
But the decision also characterizes the law as viewpoint discrimination (specifically here the desire to change someone’s LGBTQ+ identity), which is almost never allowed under the First Amendment.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Other weirdness characterizes the city’s plan beginning with the decision to put a tourism agency, Choose Chicago, in charge.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Even preschoolers there are taught to spot the online disinformation that characterizes 21st-century hybrid warfare.
—Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026
From the Cold War to the hostage crisis, Matin-Asgari characterizes the countries’ long relationship as a matrix of intrigue and influence.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
The tech entrepreneur, who founded a fitness app and a financial management platform catering to young and wealthy customers, also characterizes Khanna’s stock trading as hypocritical since the congressman campaigns on easing inequality.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Although the government characterizes him as a drug dealer with terrorist ties, he was not charged with any such activities.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
But the decision also characterizes the law as viewpoint discrimination (specifically here the desire to change someone’s LGBTQ+ identity), which is almost never allowed under the First Amendment.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Other weirdness characterizes the city’s plan beginning with the decision to put a tourism agency, Choose Chicago, in charge.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Even preschoolers there are taught to spot the online disinformation that characterizes 21st-century hybrid warfare.
—Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026
From the Cold War to the hostage crisis, Matin-Asgari characterizes the countries’ long relationship as a matrix of intrigue and influence.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
The tech entrepreneur, who founded a fitness app and a financial management platform catering to young and wealthy customers, also characterizes Khanna’s stock trading as hypocritical since the congressman campaigns on easing inequality.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Although the government characterizes him as a drug dealer with terrorist ties, he was not charged with any such activities.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
Verb
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And that describes this Panthers offense to a tee.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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The geological formation has been studied for decades, and that long record of scientific interest shapes how the company describes its role.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What distinguishes the material is its pronounced fluorescence.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
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The release also distinguishes between an electric bikes, which have three classes, and an electric motorcycle, saying that the determination comes down to motor strength and speed.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Playing a young Michael is Juliano Krue Valdi, while Colman Domingo portrays patriarch Joe Jackson, who managed Michael and his brothers in the Jackson 5, and daughters Rebbie Jackson, La Toya Jackson and Janet Jackson.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
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Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, portrays Michael Jackson in his acting debut, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long as parents, Joe and Katherine.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What defines Canneseries today?—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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Long hours remain one of the biggest and most measurable culprits, with the report saying 35% of workers globally work more than 48 hours a week—occupational-health research often defines long working hours as 55 hours or more a week.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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