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Showing results for characterization. Search instead for characterisation.
Definitions

characterization

[kar-ik-ter-uh-zey-shuhn, -truh-zey-] / ˌkær ɪk tər əˈzeɪ ʃən, -trəˈzeɪ- /
NOUN
acting
Synonyms
STRONG
assuming depiction dramatics dramatizing enacting enactment feigning hamming histrionics imitating imitation impersonation improvisation mime mimicry pantomime performance playing portrayal portraying posing posturing pretending pretense putting rendition seeming simulating stagecraft stooging theatre theatricals
WEAK
play acting showing off
NOUN
definition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
answer explanation interpretation rationale solution translation
STRONG
analogue annotation clarification clue comment commentary cue delimitation delineation demarcation denotation determination diagnosis drift elucidation exemplification explication exposition expounding fixing formalization gloss individuation key rendering rendition representation settling signification terminology
WEAK
outlining statement of meaning
Antonyms
STRONGEST
question
WEAK
ambiguity nonsense vagueness
NOUN
description
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confession definition depiction detail explanation information narration narrative picture portrayal report sketch statement story summary tale version
STRONG
ABCs brief chronicle declaration delineation explication fingerprint make monograph portraiture presentment recital recitation record rehearsal representation rundown specification summarization vignette yarn
WEAK
blow-by-blow recountal writeup
Antonyms
STRONGEST
concealment
WEAK
misrepresentation
NOUN
label
Synonyms
STRONGEST
company design logo number stamp sticker tag trademark
STRONG
classification epithet hallmark identification insignia mark tally ticket
WEAK
price mark
NOUN
portrait
Synonyms
STRONGEST
account depiction figure image likeness model painting photograph picture portrayal profile silhouette sketch snapshot vignette
STRONG
portraiture simulacrum
WEAK
spitting image

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.

Last year, Meta slashed 3,600 jobs, saying the cuts were performance-based, though some workers pushed back against that characterization.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Aside from their ability to form stable hybrid organic-inorganic crystals, they initially attracted little attention and were largely set aside after basic characterization.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

In 2024, surveys and focus groups of Hispanic voters made it clear that not everyone was convinced by this characterization.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

A CoreWeave spokeswoman disputed this characterization and said that the company “operates independently and our partner decisions are driven by customer demand and technical performance for the most versatile GPU technology available.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

He was actually trying to make amends for his unfair characterization of Adams in the Priestley letter as one of the “ancients.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing characterization

Vocabulary to Describe Literary Devices

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Reading: Literature - Fiction - Introductory

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Narrative Writing, List 3

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