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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of characteristic
Marc J. Dunkelman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
How to Identify Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth The two black bass species have a similar shape and body profile, but each has a few key physical characteristics that can help with identification.
—Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2025
The predominant green hues often seen in auroras are characteristic of oxygen, while nitrogen can produce purples, blues and pinks.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
Some of the characteristics of our present system—that officers can abuse with impunity, that police chiefs refused to do more to rein in abuse, that bad cops can’t be fired—weren’t born entirely of a right-wing America.
—Marc J. Dunkelman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
How to Identify Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth The two black bass species have a similar shape and body profile, but each has a few key physical characteristics that can help with identification.
—Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Majdi Fathi / NurPhoto via Getty Images Katz’s remarks are characteristic of those across Israel’s hard right, which has representatives in the country’s coalition government and has in recent days been buoyed by Trump’s plan to eject Palestinians from Gaza and threats against Hamas.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2025
The predominant green hues often seen in auroras are characteristic of oxygen, while nitrogen can produce purples, blues and pinks.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
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These early problem-solving experiences can help develop resilience and adaptability, traits essential for success in STEAM fields and beyond.—
Kyle J. Russell,
USA TODAY,
6 Mar. 2025
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In her post, Meli questioned why ambition, despite its downsides, was seen as a moral good and an important trait to have.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The robot features distinctive family-style star ring lights and customizable movements through simulation learning and continuous evolution.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
8 Mar. 2025
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Male sharks are also known to bite females during mating, leaving distinctive scars.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The multi-dimensional tone is a bit more muted than her typical bright golden blonde, with new neutral undertones; Schwartz added a mix of highlights using Schwarzkopf Professional Vario Blond SuperPlus and lowlights with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance.—
Leah Prinzivalli,
Allure,
3 Mar. 2025
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In the bit that aired during Sunday’s ceremony, Sandler was seen wearing his typical loose-fitting attire of a hoodie and gym shorts and jokingly stormed out of the Dolby Theatre when O’Brien called him out about it.—
Ryan Gajewski,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Mark Anthony Green's feature debut opens on a heady scene with an audience intoxicated by the rhythmic melody of a figure on stage.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Also during that time, Screen Ireland was behind the production of over 116 feature films, 64 TV series and 120 short films.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Veterans Affairs benefits, including pensions and disability checks, would also continue as normal under a shutdown.—
Nik Popli,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
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The Islanders filled up Nassau Coliseum one more time in the spring of 2021, when another delirious run to the semis provided the backdrop and the soundtrack as life seemed to return to normal.—
Jerry Beach,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Instead, digitize the attributes and documents needed to create customer profiles so they can be leveraged throughout the organization.—
Alex Ford,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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During the roll call last year at the Democratic National Convention, Lamont followed the tradition of citing the top attributes of his state before announcing the political tally for president.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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By sharing rights, the Bond franchise has arrived at a very different type of storytelling, one that fragments the story and multiplies the James Bonds to be experienced across distinct media.—
Colin Burnett,
The Conversation,
7 Mar. 2025
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Taste a sampling of their distinct bottlings (the Pét-Nat is a personal favorite) or sign up for one of Johan Vineyard's calendar events, like Lambapalooza (May 10)—a kid-friendly program with farm manager, Nathan Wood that weaves together wine and the estate's resident baby sheep.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Actors, the company said, will be paid standard industry rates to voice all dialogue in every script.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2025
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Teams can sign players to standard contracts at any time, but any player who has appeared in the NBA this season must have been waived by Monday to be playoff eligible with another team.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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