characterize

[kar-ik-tuh-rahyz] / ˈkær ɪk təˌraɪz /

VERB

typify, distinguish

Synonyms

STRONGEST

define describe identify indicate mark outline portray represent symbolize

STRONG

brand constitute delineate designate differentiate discriminate feature individualize individuate inform peg personalize pigeonhole signalize singularize stamp style typecast

WEAK

belong to button down make up peculiarize tab

Antonyms

STRONGEST

confuse

STRONG

mix up

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 without the proper documentation or court-ordered child support, the Internal Revenue Service could characterize this money as a gift or settlement.

From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026

"By capturing the faint light emitted by this filament, which traveled for just under 12 billion years to reach Earth, we were able to precisely characterize its shape," explains Davide Tornotti.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

If “Mija No Te Asustes” is an album about this confident boss man calling the shots, how would you characterize “Afterafter”?

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

“Assets which the administrators characterize as missing were held through nominee structures for the benefit of MFS and its creditors,” the spokeswoman said, adding that the administrators had been given detailed information about those assets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

And each time, he displayed the same level of grief, what people who heard him would characterize as inescapable sincerity.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Vocabulary lists containing characterize

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 1

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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