Definition of characternext
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as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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character

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verb

as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group formerly charactered as "the dark ages," that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of character are attribute, property, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When might attribute be a better fit than character?

The words attribute and character can be used in similar contexts, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When can property be used instead of character?

The synonyms property and character are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

In what contexts can quality take the place of character?

The meanings of quality and character largely overlap; however, 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 character
Noun
The Musk avatar also, in a pair of first-person-shooter sequences, moves through the world as a vintage video game character, complete with health bars and lives left and colorful respawns. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Dutch interior designer Wim van de Oudeweetering gave the interiors their distinctive, almost baroque character, layering rich fabrics, patterned walls, jewel tones, and theatrical details throughout. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 In Tulsa King season 4, expect to see Stallone’s character, Dwight, fight to keep his crown. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 Camouflage explores the dilemma of living between identities through the journey of its main character, Vitaly. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
  • Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With no signs of cancerous growth or the grafts migrating, the process appears relatively safe, opening the way for further research into self-transplants made of mature muscle cells as a means of treating numerous conditions.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The teaser video even included a shot of a fan with a beer cup snake, a symbol of the lack of focus in the bleachers.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Nara Prison is one of Japan’s famed Five Great Prisons of the Meiji era, symbols of the dawn of a new modern age for the nation, and the only one to survive today.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Integrity beliefs focus on expectations about honesty and morality.
    John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Despite its reputation, there is a thriving nightlife alongside strict religious codes, a morality police, and security challenges fueled by attacks by jihadi groups.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • It is anticipated that the new complex would include a wide range of amenities, further solidifying Palmares' reputation as a destination where golf is just the beginning.
    Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Angst over Meta’s public reputation likely played a role in the decision to settle so early, experts said.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Historically, the Grand Sport has borrowed its design characteristics from the range-topping Z06, and that’s no different this time around.
    Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This potentially allows the same aircraft platform to undertake different types of strike missions while carrying weapons configured for different target characteristics.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Its identity centers on the Modified Tanto profile, pronounced geometric surfaces and visual continuity between the blade and titanium handle.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This is a historically fragmented industry, with different vendors for different kinds of services, such as firewall, threat detection, and identity.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Dramatic video showed the rescue of one such person as authorities from Nepal worked to drag the man out of the mud deluge.
    Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Make sure to practice a full range of motion with these and emphasize the eccentric (the way down) part of the movement for maximal time under tension and muscle-building stimulus.
    Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 19 Aug. 2026
  • No documentarian has a better eye for intriguing oddballs than Errol Morris, who built his feature film career on drawing them out in conversation, from pet-cemetery owners in Gates of Heaven to small-town eccentrics in Vernon, Florida.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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