characterize
verb (used with object)
to mark or distinguish as a characteristic; be a characteristic of.
have characterized
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present perfectof characterize.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
“Some have characterized our rate increase earlier this month as an ‘insurance hike.’
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
Accelerating home prices and substantial growth have characterized the Montana housing market since the onset of the pandemic, says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 23, 2026
Analysts tracking China’s diplomatic positioning have characterized External link the Maduro episode as a test of China’s ability to rally global opinion against U.S. military action, especially among developing countries.
From Barron's ● Jan. 7, 2026
“I wanted to show the variety of formats that have characterized the history of cinema because I think that for young people that is very important,” Rohrwacher says.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 29, 2024
The sago eaters persisting in lowland swamps exemplify the nomadic hunter-gatherer band organization that must formerly have characterized all New Guineans.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
