characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz 
ˈka-rik-
characterized; characterizing
1
: to describe the character (see character entry 1 sense 1a) or quality of
characterizes him as ambitious
2
: to be a characteristic of : distinguish
an era characterized by greed
Synonyms
Examples of characterize in a Sentence
How would you characterize the situation?
I would characterize this as a positive change for our company.
She had difficulty characterizing their relationship.
His personality is hard to characterize.
Farms and large flat fields characterize most of the area.
the beliefs that characterized Europe in the 15th century
Recent Examples on the Web
These problems are characterized by algorithms that can solve them in a time that increases polynomially with the input size.
—
Suvarna Krishnan, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
The weighted pack can help pull your shoulders back, mitigating some of the effects of upper crossed syndrome, a condition characterized by tightness and weakness in the muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulders, Blinch says.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
This elliptic curve has the most complicated set of rational solutions ever seen: Mathematicians need at least 29 independent points to characterize them.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
Scandinavian-style homes are a minimalist dream, characterized by simple shapes and colors, natural wood, and an emphasis on functionality over design.
—Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for characterize 
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Suvarna Krishnan, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
The weighted pack can help pull your shoulders back, mitigating some of the effects of upper crossed syndrome, a condition characterized by tightness and weakness in the muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulders, Blinch says.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
This elliptic curve has the most complicated set of rational solutions ever seen: Mathematicians need at least 29 independent points to characterize them.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
Scandinavian-style homes are a minimalist dream, characterized by simple shapes and colors, natural wood, and an emphasis on functionality over design.
—Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for characterize
Dictionary Entries Near characterize
Cite this Entry
“Characterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterize. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterize
verb
char·ac·ter·ize
ˈkar-ik-tə-ˌrīz
characterized; characterizing
1
: to point out the character of an individual or group : describe
characterize him as ambitious
2
: to be characteristic of
tragic endings characterized her stories
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