quality 1 of 2

noun

ˈkwä-lə-tē How to pronounce quality (audio)
Definition of qualitynext
1
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind unfailing kindness is one of her many fine qualities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in rate
degree of excellence we expect a high quality of service in such a fancy restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in dignity
high position within society a glamorous invitation-only party for all the people of quality in the summer resort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in nobility
the highest class in a society the quality were inordinately proud of their bloodlines

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

quality

2 of 2

adjective

as in excellent
of the very best kind an antiques dealer who handles nothing but quality pieces

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of quality are attribute, character, and property. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

When is it sensible to use attribute instead of quality?

The synonyms attribute and quality are sometimes interchangeable, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When is character a more appropriate choice than quality?

The words character and quality 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 could property be used to replace quality?

In some situations, the words property and quality are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 quality
Noun
Her sincerity, combined with her slow Texas drawl, had an unembarrassed, guileless quality to it. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 One of the game’s opening cutscenes channels all three of these qualities. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
CoffeeGeek’s analysis found K-Cups can cost the equivalent of $21 to $43 per pound, while quality whole beans run $9 to $22 — and whole beans stay fresh far longer than pre-ground. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026 Available in 10 colors, these quality Egyptian sheets are also conveniently anti-pill and won’t shrink in the wash. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for quality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quality
  1. characteristic
  2. rate
  3. dignity
  4. nobility
  5. excellent
  6. feature
  7. rank
  8. aristocracy
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
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • Consequently, markets have already trimmed their Fed rate hike expectations.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Since his confirmation earlier this year, the central bank has split further on whether inflation is truly transitory; last month’s decision to keep rates steady resulted in the most dissents since 1970.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rate
Noun
  • She was invested in young women and keeping the door open for the next generation of leaders, and her advocacy was always about fighting for the strength, intelligence, and dignity of women everywhere.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • But, as mad as the idea may have seemed back then, the tradition is still going strong 40 years later with participants coming from around the world to cast their dignity aside — along with a warm robe — and take the plunge into the freezing water.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of dignity
Noun
  • He was branded a heretic, in part for preaching that the nobility were immoral and so was nobility itself.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Originally published in Esquire magazine, this group portrait of jazz nobility was photographed at 17 East 126th Street in New York City.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of nobility
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Noun
  • The Grand Highlander has the roomiest third row of the three family SUVs and the Telluride is the best in terms of cabin quality, standard tech and features.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Since this is an Android Drop rather than a Pixel Drop, these features are coming to a wider range of devices.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of feature
Noun
  • Like others, we have been assigned an apartment based on our rank, education level, and years of employment.
    — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Some came through technical ranks, whereas others followed very different paths.
    — Milan Shetti, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of rank
Noun
  • Just a few days earlier at Palazzo Brancaccio, the ladies of the Roman aristocracy had vied to appear in the ballroom scenes, perhaps hoping to meet Gregory Peck.
    — Daria Egidi, Vanity Fair, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Upon his arrival in London, Mai became something of a celebrity among the aristocracy, and was welcomed by King George III.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of aristocracy

Browse Nearby Words

qualities
quality
qualm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quality. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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