Synonyms for

Characteristic

Verb / ˌkerʌktɜ:ˈɪstɪk / Another word for characteristic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a typical or noticeable quality or feature of someone or something

Synonyms & similar words

uncharacteristic devicecharacteristic feature trait attribute feature quality peculiarity quirk hallmark mark individuality personality nature identity essence property element sign indication symbol badge

Synonyms by register

Formal

attribute trait property feature

Informal

thing quirk trait mark

Literary

hallmark stamp signature

Antonyms

unremarkable unimportant unusual atypical abnormal uncommon peculiar

Common collocations

  • key characteristic
  • defining characteristic
  • main characteristic
  • distinct characteristic
  • essential characteristic
  • unique characteristic
  • common characteristic

Word family

noun characteristic
adjective characteristic

Usage note

As a noun, 'characteristic' refers to a distinguishing trait or quality. As an adjective, it means typical or distinctive.

Example sentences

  1. The characteristic smell of freshly baked bread filled the air.
  2. One characteristic of a lion is its golden fur.
  3. Honesty is a characteristic that everyone should possess.
  4. The town's characteristic architecture attracted many tourists.
  5. The characteristic sound of birds chirping signaled the start of a new day.

Quotes

  • I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious, which is a characteristic of all great thinkers. - Albert Einstein
  • The characteristic of a genuine heroism is its persistency. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • The characteristic of coquettes is affectation governed by whim. - Henry Fielding

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