Synonyms for

Characterize

Verb / ˈkerʌktɜ:ˌaɪz / Another word for characterize — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To describe the distinctive qualities or features of someone or something.

Synonyms & similar words

qualify characterise describe portray depict represent delineate define outline sketch draw paint render label tag brand classify categorize peg typify embody personify

Synonyms by register

Formal

define designate classify typify

Informal

describe sum up pinpoint label

Literary

adumbrate portray emblazon

Antonyms

misrepresent obscure confuse disguise conceal distort

Common collocations

  • characterize by
  • characterize as
  • characterize the
  • characterize the relationship
  • characterize the period
  • characterize the symptoms
  • characterize the culture

Word family

noun characteristic
adjective characteristic
adverb characteristically

Usage note

Often used with 'by' or 'as' to indicate the defining features. Avoid using it to mean 'to criticize negatively'.

Example sentences

  1. The author used vivid language to characterize the main character.
  2. The detective tried to characterize the suspect's behavior.
  3. The teacher asked the students to characterize the protagonist's personality.
  4. The journalist wanted to characterize the politician's stance on the issue.
  5. The movie's soundtrack helped to characterize the film's mood.

Quotes

  • We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle
  • The best way to predict your future is to create it. - Abraham Lincoln
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt

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