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

Their results show that if life spreads and alters planets, it can create measurable statistical links between where planets are located and what characteristics they display.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

"Human eyes and brains are highly sensitive to subtle changes in colour, texture, and other surface characteristics," it says.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

To be domesticated, a candidate wild species must possess many different characteristics.

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