property

noun

ˈprä-pər-tē How to pronounce property (audio)
Definition of propertynext
1
as in plot
a small piece of land that is developed or available for development bought a secluded property in the mountains

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind the ability to be magnetized is a common property of metals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word property different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of property are attribute, character, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

Where would attribute be a reasonable alternative to property?

While the synonyms attribute and property are close in meaning, attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When is it sensible to use character instead of property?

The words character and property can be used in similar contexts, but character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When is quality a more appropriate choice than property?

Although the words quality and property have much in common, quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

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 property When wage labor and economic inequality increased in the early 1800s, states extended the vote to all white men regardless of property. —Time, 7 July 2025 Steven Russell Klein, 28, of Bridgeport was issued a verbal warning last Thursday when police found him on property owned by the Aquarion Water Company, according to the Easton Police Department. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025 Camel milk may hold real potential as a supplementary treatment for allergic asthma, especially due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. —New Atlas, 6 July 2025 Two Leading Hotels of the World member properties lie within minutes of one another. —John Oseid, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for property
Recent Examples of Synonyms for property
  1. plot
  2. characteristic
  3. tract
  4. quality
  5. parcel
  6. feature
  7. trait
  8. attribute
Noun
  • The songs, the plot, the characters — the performances are first rate, but the actors depend deeply on the movie’s performances to inform their own — and of course the DeLorean.
    — Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Though plot details for Wake Up Dead Man remain tightly under wraps, audiences can expect the return of the shrewd detective parsing through yet another murderous mystery.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025
Definition of plot
Noun
  • There are nearly 50 species of pine trees native to North America with diverse characteristics and growing preferences.
    — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
  • For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor.
    — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • The hospital also had a failing score for urinary tract infections from catheters.
    — Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 12 July 2025
  • That could negate the need for costly and invasive methods of GI tract investigation – like endoscopy and computerized tomography (CT) – that can only be used in hospitals.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 12 July 2025
Definition of tract
Noun
  • These digital employees are property—tools operated by or on behalf of the business entity that deploys them—and the legal and economic relationships around output quality, liability and so on are all assigned to the company.
    — David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of quality
Noun
  • Growers, on the other hand, lean into the quirks of each harvest and parcel of land.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2025
  • In 2024, Shein and Temu together shipped 800 million packages to France — more than half of all parcels sent to the country.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 July 2025
Definition of parcel
Noun
  • At 44-feet long, the town's new ladder truck has a compact wheelbase for improved maneuverability— an essential feature for navigating the town’s narrower roads and residential areas, Interim Fire Chief Matthew Lupo explained.
    — Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
  • Other notable features include an adjustable strap with a flat buckle and supersoft fabric.
    — Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Definition of feature
Noun
  • What wasn’t reported was Rivera’s aversion to pitches coming near him, a trait that’s fatal to long-term hitting success.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
  • This industry-wide trait is also reflected in valuation standards.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Definition of trait
Noun
  • In particular, durability was an important attribute, especially since some games are played in downpours, high heat and sub-zero conditions.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • The paternal figure is also known for his adventurous streak, too, all attributes that tie him to Sagittarius.
    — Kyle Thomas, People.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of attribute

Phrases Containing property

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properties
property
property tax
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Cite this Entry

“Property.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/property. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on property

Nglish: Translation of property for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about property

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