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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.

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

Such abrupt rebounds are often characteristic of markets under stress.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“The President’s characteristic ambiguity leaves multiple military options open in the near term,” said Claudio Galimberti, chief economist at Rystad Energy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

"By drying and heating the remaining material, we were able to measure the characteristic molecules of different types of plastics in the Utrecht laboratory, using mass spectrometry," Ten Hietbrink explains.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Lack of any single required characteristic dooms efforts at domestication, just as it dooms efforts at building a happy marriage.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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!