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
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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 financial risks from its growth model, characterized by a heavy dependence on inefficient investment financed by bank credit, have become apparent to investors.
—
Eswar Prasad, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2025
Trump and supporters such as Elon Musk have characterized the rulings as a sign that a group of elite judges are abusing their power and acting against the will of the American people.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
Among them, Brazilian Ipe wood, cork, terracotta and pigmented concrete, which much like Casa M, blends in with the natural landscape, the sandy beaches and the dunes that characterize the area.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Duffy has characterized the existing equipment as safe, but old.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Eswar Prasad, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2025
Trump and supporters such as Elon Musk have characterized the rulings as a sign that a group of elite judges are abusing their power and acting against the will of the American people.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
Among them, Brazilian Ipe wood, cork, terracotta and pigmented concrete, which much like Casa M, blends in with the natural landscape, the sandy beaches and the dunes that characterize the area.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Duffy has characterized the existing equipment as safe, but old.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize
Verb
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Nancy Preis, Opera in the Ozarks general director, will describe the new, state-of-the-art theater built with funds from the Walton Family Foundation at Inspiration Point outside Eureka Springs.—
Deb Harvell,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
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The first three have to do with the yield curve, which describes the structure of interest rates (yields) in the Treasury market.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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With the right intelligence, firms can distinguish fraudsters from legitimate customers and still deliver great digital journeys.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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In his book The Spirit Molecule, about the first modern study that administered DMT to humans, the psychiatrist Rick Strassman uses a TV metaphor to distinguish the drug’s effects from those of other psychoactive substances.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Tony Martinez as Pepino Garcia Tony Martinez portrayed Pepino, the McCoys’ farmhand who often served as comic relief.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
31 May 2025
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According to Salvador, Maje portrayed herself as a victim of psychological and physical abuse.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Around the world, access to finance remains a persistent form of inequality—defined not only by whether people can open bank accounts, but by whether they are treated fairly within the system.—
Christopher Marquis,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Morrison, along with the Doors, were early pioneers of the psychedelic blues-rock that would define the late 1960s and early 1970s.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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