characterize

verb

char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce characterize (audio)
ˈka-rik-
characterized; characterizing
Synonyms of characterize

transitive verb

1
: to describe the character (see character entry 1 sense 1a) or quality of
characterizes him as ambitious
2
: to be a characteristic of : distinguish
an era characterized by greed

Synonyms of characterize

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Examples of characterize in a Sentence

How would you characterize the situation? I would characterize this as a positive change for our company. She had difficulty characterizing their relationship. His personality is hard to characterize. Farms and large flat fields characterize most of the area. the beliefs that characterized Europe in the 15th century
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.
Marshall responded by characterizing the practice as commonplace among area hospitals. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Davis characterized the post as an endorsement of professional consequences for lawyers based on their political activity. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 The reality is that in the past, measles was often characterized as a routine illness. — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026 The attorney characterized the company's earlier responses as providing limited information while shifting blame and responsibility to others. — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterize

Word History

Etymology

see character entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of characterize was circa 1602

Rhymes for characterize

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Browse Nearby Words

characterization
characterize
characterless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

characterize

verb
char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˈkar-ik-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce characterize (audio)
characterized; characterizing
1
: to point out the character of an individual or group : describe
characterize him as ambitious
2
: to be characteristic of
tragic endings characterized her stories
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