1
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
2
as in to distinguish
to be an important feature of
an unsightly rash characterizes chicken pox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples of characterize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Facebook has always contended that the First Amendment is about government suppression, and by definition its content decisions could not be characterized as such.
—
Steven Levy, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2024
To articulate its outlines sufficiently is, almost by definition, to spill past time, to run counter to the withholding, parsimonious control that has characterized the Obamas all along.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2024
Thunderstorms characterized by wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and half-sized hail barrelled through areas near Prattsville, Sheridan, Hector, Barrettsville, Conway and other communities Sunday afternoon, according to the weather service.
—Lena Miano, arkansasonline.com, 18 Aug. 2024
The dog is characterized as affectionate with family, yet distant to strangers.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for characterize 
Steven Levy, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2024
To articulate its outlines sufficiently is, almost by definition, to spill past time, to run counter to the withholding, parsimonious control that has characterized the Obamas all along.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2024
Thunderstorms characterized by wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and half-sized hail barrelled through areas near Prattsville, Sheridan, Hector, Barrettsville, Conway and other communities Sunday afternoon, according to the weather service.
—Lena Miano, arkansasonline.com, 18 Aug. 2024
The dog is characterized as affectionate with family, yet distant to strangers.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for characterize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'characterize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Thesaurus Entries Near characterize
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterize. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share