characteristic 1 of 2

noun

ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce characteristic (audio)
Definition of characteristicnext
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

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characteristic

2 of 2

adjective

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective characteristic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of characteristic are distinctive, individual, and peculiar. While all these words mean "indicating a special quality or identity," characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class.

responded with her characteristic wit

When could distinctive be used to replace characteristic?

While in some cases nearly identical to characteristic, distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy.

a distinctive aura of grace and elegance

When can individual be used instead of characteristic?

Although the words individual and characteristic have much in common, individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class.

a highly individual writing style

When might peculiar be a better fit than characteristic?

The meanings of peculiar and characteristic largely overlap; however, peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness.

an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of characteristic
Noun
But one of the characteristics that differentiates AI is its impact on highly skilled jobs. —Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025 North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places. —Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Adjective
The characteristic measles rash then appears three to five days after the initial signs, starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body. —Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 Yet, the response from Chelsea was characteristic of their manager. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
  1. trait
  2. distinctive
  3. typical
  4. feature
  5. normal
  6. attribute
  7. distinct
  8. standard
Noun
  • Rethinking the meaning of de-extinction Bringing back a species like the dire wolf isn’t just a matter of getting the fur right or tweaking a few visible traits.
    — Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • Really, all Morgan Plus 8s are much the same, and promise a perfectly delightful driving experience, offering the most traditional British roadster traits in a car that can easily keep up in modern traffic.
    — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
Definition of trait
Adjective
  • The animal has a long tail and distinctive tufts of soft hair.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Their selection always includes highly sophisticated and distinctive films that have broadened my cinematic horizons.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 May 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • This choice allows the plants to make maximum use of the soil's water and nutrients resources, particularly important in the poor soils and arid climates typical of Apulia.
    — Elisabetta Tosi, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Bacalao is served in all manner of dishes; one of the most popular is with pil-pil sauce, made of olive oil, garlic and the juice of the fish, and typical in the Basque Country.
    — Jon Yeomans, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Definition of typical
Noun
  • The stylish design comes in four color options to fit nearly any space, while the 360-degree swivel feature allows for quiet, seamless movement.
    — Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • Related Stories One of Britain’s most prominent actors, Thompson is being praised by Locarno for a career in acting, writing, and producing that spans both television and film and ranges from independent features to major blockbusters.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 June 2025
Definition of feature
Adjective
  • In a revealing interview on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Omos detailed his journey from assuming his rapid growth was normal to facing a critical health crisis.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Most kids use pacifiers—and up to a certain point, that's totally normal.
    — ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 29 May 2025
Definition of normal
Noun
  • If, through some freaky genetic engineering, a scientist could combine the physical attributes of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, what might be the result?
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • What's more, fragrance fanatics are more than three times as likely to purchase one linked to emotional attributes and/or memories as described in TikTok videos.
    — Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025
Definition of attribute
Adjective
  • There is a distinct difference between the two eras.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Within such simulations, there will be three distinct participant groups: 1.
    — Ivan Shvaichenko, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • Newsweek contacted the company for comment on Tuesday, outside of standard business hours.
    — Joe Edwards Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • The deadly shooting is under investigation, and the two officers involved are on standard administrative leave until it is completed.
    — Michael Nied, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of standard

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charactering
characteristic
characteristics
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Cite this Entry

“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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