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 By quantifying and characterizing the deceased relative population, our research reveals just how many people no longer appear in the census yet remain an integral part of our social world. — Ashton Verdery, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026 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 statement was characterized in the press alternately as a denouncement, a repudiation and a disavowal. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characterize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterize

Verb

Companies that describe their services as sovereign without being clear about those dependencies risk accusations of sovereignty-washing.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Some puzzlers describe solving the crossword as a workout; for me, today’s was a knock-down, drag-out fistfight.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of describe

Verb

The interplay of precious metals with rubber and leather reinforces the brand’s more casual sensibility, distinguishing it from more formal men’s jewelry offerings.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Some of these cocktail bars in Milan are part of larger operations with restaurants; others distinguish themselves independently.

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

Definition of distinguish

Verb

Beckman portrayed the first lady's work on the ceasefire as an extension of her efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families after they were separated by Russia's war against Ukraine.

— BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Pundits continue to portray the Taiwan Strait as the world’s most dangerous flashpoint; the summit’s agenda suggested otherwise.

— Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of portray

Verb

The strategy defines six goals that are intended to address each of the challenges alongside corresponding objectives to guide NASA’s achievements of the goals.

— David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Mega-cap companies are generally defined as those with market capitalizations exceeding $200 billion.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026