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
The second is the paroxysmal phase, characterized by a sudden, episodic increase of symptoms, especially cough, and can last six weeks.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Stat! Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking movements, typically in hand, but sometimes the head, voice and legs.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon which is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to characterize the sudden change in policy as part of a grand negotiating strategy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Stat! Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking movements, typically in hand, but sometimes the head, voice and legs.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon which is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to characterize the sudden change in policy as part of a grand negotiating strategy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Born in Naples, his songs are described as a blend of Neapolitan, blues, jazz and world music.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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The problem described in the lawsuit is that even for domestic travel, if a driver's license and passport identify a person by different sexes, Transportation Security Administration officials accuse the person of holding a fraudulent document.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Israeli strikes across Gaza continued, killing at least 21 people in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but says most of the over 50,000 Palestinians killed in the war have been women and children.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
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At least 26 people have been killed and more than 100 others wounded in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the 1998 classic — which saw Lindsay Lohan in her film debut — Quaid portrayed vineyard owner Nick Parker, the father of twins Hallie and Annie (both Lohan), who convince him to reunite with their mother Elizabeth (played by Natasha Richardson).—
Brendan Le,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Oscar winner portrays a former president leading an investigation in the aftermath of a deadly national cyber attack.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Strategic decisions made now, around technology investments, partnerships, and customer education, could determine whether a bank remains competitive in a world increasingly defined by digital currency frameworks. 5.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The line defines short cruises as ranging from four to six nights and mid-length sailings as seven to nine nights, while longer cruises are 10 or more nights.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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