characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌka-rik-
: the act of characterizing
especially
: the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives
the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others
Examples of characterization in a Sentence
The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.
News reporting requires accurate characterization.
The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.
The story has good characterization.
Recent Examples on the Web
But the Sheriff’s Office rejected that characterization.
—
Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2025
The lone man in the cast, Pery Salyer, nimbly creates distinct characterizations for his various characters, which include an almost comically giddy Inspector Lastrade and a megalomaniac social-media mogul named Elliot Monk.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
But Porter pushed back on that characterization, pointing out that Arizona cities have another stable water supply—the Salt River.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Further, the memorandum disputes Riverside’s characterization of precedent regarding in loco parentis.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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.
Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2025
The lone man in the cast, Pery Salyer, nimbly creates distinct characterizations for his various characters, which include an almost comically giddy Inspector Lastrade and a megalomaniac social-media mogul named Elliot Monk.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
But Porter pushed back on that characterization, pointing out that Arizona cities have another stable water supply—the Salt River.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Further, the memorandum disputes Riverside’s characterization of precedent regarding in loco parentis.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
Cite this Entry
“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
1
: the act of characterizing
2
: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share