character 1 of 2

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as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the pictorial characters of the ancient Egyptians had long been a mystery

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as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people she regards each of her children as having a distinctive character that should be valued for what it is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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character

2 of 2

verb

as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group formerly charactered as "the dark ages," that period of history may not have been quite so benighted as once thought

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word character different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of character are attribute, property, and quality. While all these words mean "an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified," character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class.

remarks of an unseemly character

When might attribute be a better fit than character?

The words attribute and character can be used in similar contexts, but attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being.

the attributes of a military hero

When can property be used instead of character?

The synonyms property and character are sometimes interchangeable, but property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species.

the property of not conducting heat

In what contexts can quality take the place of character?

The meanings of quality and character largely overlap; however, quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic.

material with a silky quality

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 character
Noun
Visually stunning, masterfully edited, and the culmination of seven years of filming, The Treasure Hunter crafts the portrait of a memorable and agonizingly familiar character. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 McConnell impressed first-team staff during Liverpool’s 2023 pre-season tour of Singapore with his character, attitude in training and ability to listen and absorb information. Andy Jones, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
The number of sharks tagged per hour has been increasing over the past 20 years, but Chapman wouldn't character the rise in numbers as an overpopulation or infestation. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2024 After all, as Katherine Jellison, a professor of American history at Ohio University, pointed out, clothes serve as an access point to character for the watching world, one that is familiar or exciting, relatable or aspirational. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for character
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character
Noun
  • The show was centered on a large-scale painting that presents a counter-history of Mexican identity blending symbols of a hyper-masculinized past with that of an industrialized future.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The symbol of the Nazi Party in Hitler’s Germany remains in circulation today among white supremacists and hate groups.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Foreman was one of the last living crossover theatrical eccentrics, an outsider artist whose philosophically rigorous work for downtown micro-audiences alternated with engagements at Lincoln Center and the Festival d’Automne, in Paris.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025
  • My dedication, to help the waifs and strays and eccentrics of the music world together, continues to this day.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Both Ford and Mirren warn that Whitfield’s endless means and lack of morality will continue to bring a different kind of beast to the Duttons’ doorstep.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The morality of being a missileer – and minister David Feddern was also a missileer here in Echo-01.
    Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This dual system significantly reduces inaccuracies and upholds the agency’s reputation for reliability.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • According to Stacy, the company’s reputation and extensive experience have given them the ability to alleviate any stress or hassles for the homeowner.
    Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While not all cities’ bus rapid transit lines are the same, the systems are generally defined by several key characteristics: ► Dedicated, bus-only lanes in the center of the roadway.
    Elliott Wenzler, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • His art explored fluid identities and challenged gender norms, often showcasing an androgynous elegance that was revolutionary for its time.
    Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Sign up for the Race/Related Newsletter Join a deep and provocative exploration of race, identity and society with New York Times journalists.
    J. David Goodman, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Heidi Klum is the face of self care brand PosheEra.
    Mikelle Street, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The adaptive leader integrates I (self), we (others) and it (task and purpose) viewpoints.
    Hylke Faber, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Measles virus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and another person inhales droplets, Mayo Clinic said.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
  • If selected, Arison would become the 10th person with Heat ties to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining Bob McAdoo (2000), Pat Riley (2008), Gary Payton (2013), Alonzo Mourning (2014), Shaquille O’Neal (2016), Ray Allen (2018), Chris Bosh (2021), Tim Hardaway (2022) and Dwyane Wade (2023).
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Character.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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