description

noun

di-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce description (audio)
Definition of descriptionnext
1
as in depiction
a vivid representation in words of someone or something we immediately recognized the man from our cousin's description of him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in type
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common fixes small appliances and other things of that description

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word description distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of description are character, kind, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might character be a better fit than description?

The meanings of character and description largely overlap; however, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could kind be used to replace description?

While the synonyms kind and description are close in meaning, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would nature be a good substitute for description?

The words nature and description can be used in similar contexts, but nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of description?

In some situations, the words sort and description are roughly equivalent. However, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of description?

The synonyms type and description are sometimes interchangeable, but type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 description Hur was the special prosecutor who came under fire from Democrats for his report on Biden's handling of classified material and his descriptions of Biden's mental fitness. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025 The capsule descriptions of each show are provided by the Peabody organization. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2025 This article contains descriptions of anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech and threatening language. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 17 Apr. 2025 The Chiefs have players that fit that description in Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery and Janarius Robinson. —Nate Taylor, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for description
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
  1. depiction
  2. portrait
  3. kind
  4. portrayal
  5. sort
  6. picture
  7. stripe
  8. definition
Noun
  • The sneakers feature multi-tone green denim, fire-orange stitching that mimics trichome-rich buds [those little orange hairs on the bud], and a tongue-in-cheek nod to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam with the depiction of God and Adam passing a blunt.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The core audience for screen depictions of Hollywood has always been Hollywood itself.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • While body makeup was at play, the actor — whose tats range from tributes to old girlfriends to a portrait of Hillary Clinton — is well on his way to a clean slate.
    — Brittany Talarico, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But in the broader context, the sequence depicted something deeper — a portrait of a Thunder team that isn’t just young and talented but wired to compete on every possession, down to the final buzzer.
    — Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • They’re elevated off the ground and deep enough to grow flowers or veggies of all kinds.
    — Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Wednesday's jury award marks one of the largest of its kind since the advent of the #MeToo movement, as well as in New York state history, said attorney Brad Beckworth, of the law firm Nix Patterson LLP, in an interview.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of kind
Noun
  • Your portrayal of her interiority carries the story.
    — Willing Davidson, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His portrayal has been a critical component of the show's examination of identity, repression and trauma across generations.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of portrayal
Noun
  • But this year, a spring market of sorts could start taking shape in May and June, with an uptick in inventory.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Once again, Argentina depends on the IMF which recently gave the country another bail out of sorts, the 23 Fund program with Argentina since its founding.
    — Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of sort
Noun
  • Friends and colleagues described them as ambitious and socially prominent, though the defense painted a picture of a troubled family life.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The hospital had also uploaded Millie's picture to the same free platform, which is run by donations.
    — Analisa Novak, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of picture
Noun
  • The fish’s body is generally yellow, with black scales forming a stripe down the side of its body, according to the study.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Cam Bates earning his stripes Sophomore wide receiver Cam Bates appeared in 13 games last season and caught the sole touchdown of his collegiate career against Portland State.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • And that loose definition is driving a post-pandemic innovation boom in this curious corner of the cycling world.
    — Chris Cona, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This year’s Overlook Film Festival was filled with bold movies, many of which broadened the definition of traditional horror.
    — William Earl, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of definition

Browse Nearby Words

descries
description
descriptions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on description

Nglish: Translation of description for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about description

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