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.

The Rwanda trip, Mr. Attenborough says, wasn’t supposed to be about gorillas at all, but rather the opposable thumb, one of the significant characteristics we share with the great apes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

When companies face pressure to increase shareholder returns, these characteristics make spending on research an obvious place to trim or redirect — even if no one says it explicitly.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The cast is very good and the dialogue good enough, but because few of these characters are developed beyond a handful of identifying characteristics, it’s a generally cold, dispassionate watch.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Using a method called 'cluster analysis', the team grouped participants with similar characteristics.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

Then, with his eyes twinkling, Linus explained the specific characteristics that made his model—the a-helix—uniquely beautiful.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson