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
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
Fortunately, Gaia, the sadly now decommissioned European Space Agency astronomical observatory, was designed to obtain extremely accurate measurements of the positions, distances, colors and other characteristics of well more than a billion stars—including their velocity.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 May 2025
Justin Davidson, Vulture, 2 May 2025
The casual dehumanization of the prisoners behind her is as characteristic of the particular aesthetic Noem is cultivating as her glossy blowout.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
The team also proposes alternative ways of thinking about the dog-human bond, that blend together the characteristics of different human relationships.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
Fortunately, Gaia, the sadly now decommissioned European Space Agency astronomical observatory, was designed to obtain extremely accurate measurements of the positions, distances, colors and other characteristics of well more than a billion stars—including their velocity.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 May 2025
Adjective
Beethoven kicked open the door to the 19th century with his first string quartet, which opens with one of his characteristic hey, you!
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 2 May 2025
The casual dehumanization of the prisoners behind her is as characteristic of the particular aesthetic Noem is cultivating as her glossy blowout.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
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
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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
Adjective
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Another series of sweeps beginning around 8,000 years ago gave Eurasians their distinctive pale complexion.—
Kermit Pattison,
Scientific American,
20 May 2025
-
Côme is not alone among Réunion’s producers in striving to find—and sell—vanilla’s distinctive if as yet unrecognized qualities.—
Jay Cheshes,
Smithsonian Magazine,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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While that dealer’s price is more in line with typical used car depreciation, the Foundation series was at one time selling at wildly inflated prices on the used market due to high demand.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
The five plaintiffs are asking a Superior Court judge to render the city’s advancement of the typical $47.59-per-month trash fee null and void.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
The Jubilee first set sail in 2023, and includes features like IMAX theaters, a rollercoaster, and rope courses, perfect to keep solo travelers and families busy.—
Martie Bowser,
Essence,
22 May 2025
-
Pinho was previously in Cannes with debut feature film The Nothing Factory, which premiered in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in 2017, receiving the Fipresci Prize.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Most kids use pacifiers—and up to a certain point, that's totally normal.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
29 May 2025
-
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
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
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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
Adjective
-
There is a distinct difference between the two eras.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Within such simulations, there will be three distinct participant groups: 1.—
Ivan Shvaichenko,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Specs In Line With The Realme GT 7 Internally, the Realme GT 7 Dream Edition is similar to the standard GT 7.—
Prakhar Khanna,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
-
Newsweek contacted the company for comment on Tuesday, outside of standard business hours.—
Joe Edwards
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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