characterize

[kar-ik-tuh-rahyz] / ˈkær ɪk təˌraɪz /

VERB

typify, distinguish

Synonyms

STRONGEST

define describe identify indicate mark outline portray represent symbolize

STRONG

brand constitute delineate designate differentiate discriminate feature individualize individuate inform peg personalize pigeonhole signalize singularize stamp style typecast

WEAK

belong to button down make up peculiarize tab

Antonyms

STRONGEST

confuse

STRONG

mix up

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.

"By capturing the faint light emitted by this filament, which traveled for just under 12 billion years to reach Earth, we were able to precisely characterize its shape," explains Davide Tornotti.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

“Assets which the administrators characterize as missing were held through nominee structures for the benefit of MFS and its creditors,” the spokeswoman said, adding that the administrators had been given detailed information about those assets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

They characterize these authorities as an oppressive force, denying individuals the freedom to make their own choices, however unscientific, about healthcare.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

McCardel recalls Karp using the German military term “Auftragstaktik” — or mission-type tactics — to characterize Palantir’s FDE playbook.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Scientists used to quote a phrase of Thomas Hobbes’s in order to characterize the lifestyle of hunter-gatherers as “nasty, brutish, and short.”

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing characterize

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 1

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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