CHARACTER Synonyms: 281 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

character 1 of 2

noun

ˈker-ik-tər

Definition of character

as in self

the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others the basic character of the work requires that an employee be able to work quietly and independently

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

as in morality

conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong we need more people of sound character in public office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general the general character of the business appears to be good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in characteristic

something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind one of the distinguishing characters of mammals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in person

a member of the human race you wouldn't believe what kind of characters hang around the bus station

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eccentric

a person of odd or whimsical habits the junk dealer is certainly a character, but he's as honest as they come

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

character

2 of 2

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

Musk and Starlink But just like in any Marvel movie, the main character can sometimes also be the villain. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Even Santos’ mundane stories sound like character-building arcs in a rugged epic, never mind the ones involving animal run-ins. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026 Wallander is based on Henning Mankell’s bestselling novels based on the detective character. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 But to experience it in that setting has to be encouraged and allowed because there’s a spiritual element to it for the characters. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for character

Recent Examples of Synonyms for character

Noun

The deal, which includes spare parts and international orders, is subject to congressional approval and could generate $79 billion in economic activity, with Lockheed Martin self-funding at least $7 billion in program initiatives.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
His singing as Andy Boay is more distinct, his lyrics more diaristic and even self-referential.

— Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of self

Noun

The race has taken on significance beyond Michigan, with Republicans casting El-Sayed as a symbol of a Democratic Party moving further to the left.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Coupled with job-displacement fears from AI, opponents now point to the facilities as a physical symbol of who benefits from the boom and who gets stuck with the bill.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of symbol

Noun

This is where reputation and communications become part of the business decisions.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Rather than replicating the formula of an international luxury chain, Elegance has built its reputation on intimate hotels that celebrate Vietnamese hospitality, thoughtful design, and sense of place.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of reputation

Noun

If researchers can reliably take advantage of these characteristics, biological computing could one day be the prime choice in applications where systems need to adapt to unfamiliar conditions in a field far from home.

— Mike McRae October 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026
The challenge is to broaden a brand’s appeal without diluting the characteristics that distinguish it from competitors.

— Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of characteristic

Noun

No further information, including the identity of the neighbor, was available as the case was ongoing, according to Klopping.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
To be sure, Devin Kay of Douglas Elliman told Fox Business recognizable names tend to get attached to blockbuster deals when a buyer’s identity is hidden.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of identity

Noun

Step inside, though, and you’re transported to a bucolic Britain of rolling hills and village greens, bumbling eccentrics and cute, clever farm animals.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
The professionalization worked, but at the expense of the site’s internal culture, Cooke argues, as generous eccentrics were displaced by neurotic lovers of rules.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of eccentric

Cite this Entry

Style

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of character

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Synonyms of character

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing character

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on character

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