Definitions

characteristics

[kar-ik-tuh-ris-tiks] / ˌkær ɪk təˈrɪs tɪks /

NOUN

typical feature, trait

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aspect attribute component essence flavor nature peculiarity personality quality style symptom temperament tendency tone virtue

STRONG

affection badge bag bearing bent caliber cast complexion differentia disposition distinction earmark endowment essential faculty frame idiosyncrasy inclination individuality lineament mannerism mark mood originality particularity point property singularity specialty streak stripe thing thumbprint tinge trademark turn

Antonyms

STRONGEST

whole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Protected characteristics include age, disability, race, pregnancy, sex and sexual orientation.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

He was also given a vaccine personalised to his tumour's characteristics, which boosts the cancer-detecting powers of the drugs.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

“He very much produces a lot of the characteristics we’re looking for,” Chapot said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Because the factors associated with salt-adding behavior differed between men and women, the researchers suggest that public health campaigns should be tailored to specific groups based on gender and lifestyle characteristics.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

The physical and mental characteristics that had so entranced Galton—height, weight, beauty, intelligence—were merely the outer shadows of genetic characteristics lurking underneath.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee