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.
All those relationships and the powerplay that characterized that period. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026 Swatting is just one criminal element associated with 764, which federal authorities have characterized as a network of nihilistic violent extremists. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious medical emergency characterized by severe, rapid onset psychiatric episodes such as mania, depression or hallucinations. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 The most pivotal scenes take place in parking lots, backyards, drab police-station hallways — spaces characterized by their mundanity. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for characterize

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 12 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on characterize

Nglish: Translation of characterize for Spanish Speakers

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