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.
Wilson’s whispering, Kermit-ish cadence juxtaposed with Heems’s audacious bars shorthands the borough’s rejection of one-size-fits-all characterization as one of the most diverse urban centers in the world. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026 OpenAI disputed that characterization after reviewing the available material. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 OpenAI disputed that characterization based on its analysis of the material Thursday. — Reuters, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 But the person familiar with the investigation disputed the prosecutor’s characterization, saying the civil rights probe is continuing and there has been no final decision on whether to bring additional charges. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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