characterizes

verb

present tense third-person singular of characterize
1
as in describes
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

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2
as in distinguishes
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 characterizes Lou Reed modeled the sort of petulant sing-talking that characterizes her verses. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Strada’s website characterizes the candidate as a successful businessman. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Google acknowledges that regulators are open to adjusting the rules, but Walker still characterizes this ruling as a threat to privacy, business trade secrets, and even national security. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 Resilience characterizes many young basketball players at SCC Dixon said. — Nicole Gregory, Oc Register, 25 June 2026 Under that view, a taxpayer who actively participates in management should not receive the benefit simply because state law characterizes the interest as a limited partnership interest. — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 The network characterizes the request for edits as something that should be happening in the newsroom. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 June 2026 Near the end of the play, Majok’s script becomes, like Mann’s score, flatter and broader in its messaging, losing some of its sharpness of observation, and the humor that characterizes Kaysen’s memoir fades. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026 While the blood-brain barrier may be unfamiliar to many, Papapetropoulos characterizes it simply as the brain’s security system. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characterizes
  1. describes
  2. distinguishes
  3. portrays
  4. defines
Verb
  • Moore describes her apprenticeship as both exciting and exhausting.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • El-Sayed describes himself as a capitalist and is not endorsed by the Democratic Socialists, but shares a similar policy platform to many of their candidates, such as abolishing ICE.
    — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of describes
Verb
  • Although antineutrinos rarely interact with matter, physicists can identify them through a characteristic double-light signal that distinguishes them from background radiation.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
  • What distinguishes Aureus is its proprietary post-maturation finishing regime in casks that previously held Vino de Naranga (orange wine).
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinguishes
Verb
  • The actor remains tight-lipped about season four, except revealing that Bradley Whitford, who portrays Grace’s husband, first gentleman Todd, has a bigger role as expected.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Motoki portrays Murashige as curiously recessive — someone who has laid waste to myriad foes and has now lost his taste for bloodshed.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of portrays
Verb
  • Inside is cozy and spacious, and a sizable, dog-friendly patio defines the outdoor space.
    — Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, Powers Irish Rye features a distinctive rye component, adding a fresh dimension to the Irish whiskey category without sacrificing the accessible character that defines the brand.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of defines

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Cite this Entry

“Characterizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characterizes. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of characterizes for Spanish Speakers

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