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
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU and lead author of the report, said that so far, the 2025 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to 1996, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2017.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
The natural yeast on the pineapple skin kick-starts the fermentation process, breaking down the sugar and producing that characteristic tangy flavor.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
His latest goal, at Bournemouth, rolled these characteristics into one move.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU and lead author of the report, said that so far, the 2025 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to 1996, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2017.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
While it was discovered that a majority of the damage was caused by winds of 135 mph or less, which would be characteristic of an EF2 storm, there was a small amount of damage indicative of EF4 wind speeds between 168 and 199 mph.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
The natural yeast on the pineapple skin kick-starts the fermentation process, breaking down the sugar and producing that characteristic tangy flavor.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
-
Experts debated the connection, but by 2001 paleontologists uncovered early whale ankle bones that possessed traits only seen among artiodactyls.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
-
In an era of constant change, global complexity and ever-rising expectations, trust has become the defining trait of exceptional leadership.—
Alejandro Bravo,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This distinctive hue, paler in the center and deeper around the edges, evokes the shimmering beauty of alpine glaciers and lakes and the change in their reflections as the light changes and time passes.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2025
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These minerals vary depending on the spring, giving sparkling water its distinctive taste profiles—from softly bubbly and subtly salty to bracingly effervescent with a sharp minerality.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The physical and financial strains typical of an aging household may have caused hardships for removing vegetation – a best practice in protecting a structure from an ember fire.—
Calvin Schermerhorn,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Whoever wins the election will assume office immediately — without the country’s typical two-month transition period.—
Choe Sang-Hun,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Even at such a low price, this unit is packed with features and performance, including a wide 180 degree viewing angle, sharp 2K video, smart object detection and more.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
-
With features from Amaria, Arin Ray, Blackway, Cruza, Dylan Sinclair, Isaiah Falls, Karri, Merges, and Sinead Harnett, and production by D’Mile, Budgie, Jordan Manswell, and more, the six-track EP is a sonic blend of R&B and other genres that makes for an decadent listening experience.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This health condition occurs when your blood sugar is slightly higher than normal but not yet in the range for type 2 diabetes.—
Julia Ries,
Health,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Augusta National operates differently than normal places.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Counsell’s decision to hire Quintin Berry away from the Milwaukee Brewers may have taken those attributes to another level.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
An attribute that Buffett considers to be the hallmark of the highest achievers.—
Steve Taplin,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The title drop, when a line of dialogue references the film’s title, is a delicate art with a distinct cult following.—
Donald Liebenson,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Justice Department is considering a plan to merge the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), both of which often collaborate but have distinct missions.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Braking, via 4-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS, is efficient.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The series, working with plenty of time never forsakes a standard television clip.—
Anthony Paletta,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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