Thesaurus results for CHARACTERIZE

characterize

verb

ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz

Definition of characterize

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

Relevance

as in to distinguish

to be an important feature of an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 characterize Blumenkranz rebuffed those claims, characterizing the current depth of collectors being a mix of longtime collectors who have supported FOG for years alongside a newer generation of collectors, some of whom have made their wealth in tech. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Experts have attributed the uptick to El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warmer ocean waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 This homogenization was already underway with the rise of the Instagram Face, characterized by prominent cheekbones, fuller lips, sharp jawlines and lifted eyes. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026 The shoes feature a black-and-white colorway and are characterized by the Majolica tile print. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize

Verb

With a laser on board, a cargo-carrying vehicle can defend itself against drones during resupply runs, a role Rheinmetall has described as protection for autonomous logistics missions.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Warsh described the global shift toward tighter monetary policy as a common fight on prices.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of describe

Verb

On the aesthetic front, Vanadium Grey Metallic accents on the sideview-mirror covers, the wheels, the model-designation decals on the doors, and on the badge at the rear help distinguish the latest Carrera T from its siblings.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
For Jekyll-Hyde, the costumes are crucial and add to the characterization, distinguishing the two men inhabiting the same body.

— Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguish

Verb

Rogers has increasingly portrayed El-Sayed as an extremist and a threat to Jewish voters as the Republican tries to win over a traditionally Democratic constituency.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Landon starred as the Ingalls family patriarch, Charles, Karen Grassle played his wife, Caroline, and Gilbert portrayed their daughter, Laura.

— Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of portray

Verb

Get timely insight into the cases, rulings, and constitutional questions defining America’s legal landscape.

— Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
The postwar model of a large welfare and regulatory state, run by a class of civil servants charged with modernizing the economy, tempering market forces and defining the common good, has run its course.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026