characterization

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce characterization (audio)
ˌka-rik-
: the act of characterizing
especially : the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives
the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others

Examples of characterization in a Sentence

The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated. News reporting requires accurate characterization. The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others. The story has good characterization.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Performances across the board are strong, even if the characterizations themselves are more difficult to embrace. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 While discussing the characterizations present in the series, Sandler noted that star Noah Reid’s Rapp may be an honest representation of men, if not the most likable. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 The punch-worthy parody of Altman’s characterization ramps up once he’s motivated to push back against — or trample over — the safety guardrails that Ilya prizes above all else, but so does the depth of his world-breaking cynicism. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026 Pressed on whether a blanket characterization hurts his members, Steffee did not equivocate. — Salena Zito, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterization

Word History

Etymology

see character entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of characterization was in 1841

Phrases Containing characterization

Rhymes for characterization

See All Rhymes for characterization

Browse Nearby Words

characterizable
characterization
characterize
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Cite this Entry

“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

characterization

noun
char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce characterization (audio)
1
: the act of characterizing
2
: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)

More from Merriam-Webster on characterization

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about characterization

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