characteristics

noun

plural of characteristic
as in qualities
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

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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 characteristics Specifically, the one from that parable where six blind men describe a beast based on just one of its characteristics. — Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026 That is one of the clearest characteristics of an asset transitioning from a downtrend into an uptrend. — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026 Sometimes a capital provider is simply looking for different characteristics from a prospect. — Frank Williamson, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Precious metals, coins, and stones require different checks, and both their characteristics and applicable market prices inform the amount offered. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 This leads to the wavelengths of that radiation being changed, with the result being a compact object with a very red spectrum and broad hydrogen emission lines — key characteristics of Little Red Dots. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The devices also maintained stable electrical characteristics for 55 months after fabrication, according to the researchers. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 According to the company, the five-minute flight allowed an initial evaluation of handling qualities, aerodynamic characteristics, and system performance, gathering data to guide the next testing phases. — New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026 For Illig, new development should complement, and not compromise the characteristics that made Loch Lloyd desirable in the first place. — Trident Ventures Content Studio, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for characteristics
  1. qualities
  2. traits
  3. attributes
  4. features
  5. attributions
  6. criteria
Noun
  • What are the qualities that enabled you to always be on the pulse of what’s happening?
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Affleck, always at his best in roles that place his all-American alpha qualities under a harsh, sweat-inducing spotlight, has cast himself ideally here.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of qualities
Noun
  • The team’s brightest moment comes when Olivia realizes that Daisy has incorporated her unique personality traits, like praying repetitiously and loving the musical Annie.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Publishers sold albums of facsimile autographs, and the interest developed into the field of graphology, the practice of analyzing a person’s handwriting to purportedly discern personality traits.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of traits
Noun
  • Those less visible, but critical, attributes have always contributed to the value of a software business.
    — Paul Lachance, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Females pick mates based on several call attributes, including call length.
    — Claire Therese Hemingway, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of attributes
Noun
  • There are also some interesting features of the actual delivery of the first two as well.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • In all, 129 features, documentaries and shorts will hit screens inside the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of features
Noun
  • Yet many appeared eager to take Feldstein’s shifting attributions at face value.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In two cases, the publishers added specific attributions, as had been required of Miller’s book.
    — Jessica Meszaros, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of attributions
Noun
  • City staff determined the two projects would be competitive for the grant program after reviewing the program criteria and city priorities, according to the staff report.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • You are not required to meet these criteria to be approved for a loan.
    — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of criteria

Browse Nearby Words

characteristic
characteristics
characterize
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Cite this Entry

“Characteristics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/characteristics. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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