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.
That characterization doesn’t fit my role in the film. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 June 2026 The company says the claims contain flawed conclusions and rejects the characterization of the technology as a botnet. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 As questions have been put to Farage about the generous gift from Harborne, his characterizations of its purpose have been confusing at best and contradictory at worst. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026 Critics also have challenged the report’s characterization of cases involving women, contending these were consensual affairs that were sinful but not abusive. — ABC News, 25 June 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 10 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of characterization for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about characterization

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