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Definitions

characteristic

[kar-ik-tuh-ris-tik] / ˌkær ɪk təˈrɪs tɪk /
ADJECTIVE
typical; distinguishing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
distinctive idiosyncratic innate peculiar singular unique
STRONG
essential exclusive indicative individual local native normal original particular personal private regular representative special specific
WEAK
appropriate diagnostic differentiating discriminating discriminative distinguishing emblematic especial fixed inborn inbred individualistic individualizing ingrained inherent marked proper symbolic symptomatic
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common ordinary similar standard usual
STRONG
abnormal atypical eccentric foreign general indefinite irregular public uncommon unimportant unusual
WEAK
uncharacteristic untypical
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 proprium singularity specialty streak stripe thing thumbprint tinge trademark turn
Antonyms
STRONGEST
whole
STRONG
dislike hate hatred inability unimportance
WEAK
abnormality

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.

Hastings set up Netflix in 1997 with Marc Randolph, offering DVD film rentals to customers by post, arriving in characteristic red envelopes.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

But closed-ends have one unique characteristic: They do not issue new shares to satisfy new purchasers, or redeem shares that are sold.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

Michael J. Fox is very much alive — and he’s treating a recent false report of his death with his characteristic humor.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

Such abrupt rebounds are often characteristic of markets under stress.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

There are two characteristic forms that natural philosophy takes in the Middle Ages: one is the commentary on Aristotle; the other is the collection of quaestiones, of problems to which there is no agreed solution.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing characteristic

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 11-20

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!