Synonyms

characterized

American

[kar-ik-tuh-rahyzd] / ˈkær ɪk təˌraɪzd /

especially British, characterised

adjective

having been described or distinguished.

Further identification is possible by comparing the unknown organism with a characterized organism.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of characterize.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of characterized

characterize ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

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.

Rather than a slight to Lane, Lithgow’s win is a sign of the dramatic depth that characterized this otherwise squirrely season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Bank of Canada external deputy governor Nicolas Vincent in a speech late last month characterized the labor market as one of low-hire, low-fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Unlike most earthquakes, these deep events occur in an environment characterized by extreme heat and pressure.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

Another member, Mark Jensen, characterized it as “like high school” but with “a lot of retired attorneys with time on their hands.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

North Africa enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by rainfall concentrated in the winter months.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023