as in trait
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the characteristic taste of licorice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the characteristic wit and good-naturedness of the Irish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of characteristic
CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Chunk was identified in photographs and videos the old-fashioned way, based on human observations of distinguishing characteristics – such as a large scar across his muzzle and a broken jaw.
—Emily Wanderer, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Outside, 30 Dec. 2025
The nutty topping adds a nice crunch to the characteristic creaminess of the popular cheesecake.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Noun
Like Homo antecessor, the Casablanca fossils have a mix of characteristics from Homo erectus, ourselves and our cousins.
—Adjective
The idea is that everybody’s unique body and physical history predispose them to move in a characteristic way.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristic
Noun
-
By examining liver cells as the disease progressed, researchers saw that healthy liver functions slowly shut down and survival traits took over.—
-
The Louisville transfer features the size (6-6, 325), length and explosive traits NFL defensive coordinators covet and QBs usually lose sleep over.—
Adjective
-
But none of these enticements can conceal the absence of scripts and direction that set a distinctive mood, then deftly navigate every deliberate shift.—
-
Faithfull’s signature, distinctive, melodic, high-register vocals had defined her career, but her voice was permanently altered by severe laryngitis and her persistent drug abuse.—
Adjective
-
The company intends to move away from the low-volume manufacturing typical of the aviation industry.—
-
The project could also bypass typical rezoning requirements, allowing building to occur in agricultural and natural areas.—
Noun
-
This is not always the case, however, as rates, service quality, and coverage features often vary widely.—
-
Of the 14 teams that qualified for the playoffs, eight feature a player with Idaho ties on their roster.—
Adjective
-
Formed by rolling up sheets of atoms, these hollow tubes exhibit unique behaviors distinct from bulk materials due to their nanoscale dimensions.—
-
Her bubbly, non-threatening stage persona, paired with her cutting jokes and roasts, feels distinct in her body of work.—
Adjective
-
This single fine is close to the normal total of $8 million to $10 million in all fines that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration hands out each year.—
-
Trump, as is his want, is just doing the normal thing without the usual white niceties that come with imperialist machinations.—
Noun
-
Jake shares some similar attributes with his father.—
-
Our research focused on products with clear attributes, such as taste or comfort, and on consumers who already knew their preferences.—
Adjective
-
Right away, Reece, now 23, began an eight-round regimen called ABVD, a standard treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.—
-
The city employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, which is standard protocol, McCabe said.—
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristic. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share