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
The ******* represent Townsend’s characterization of abusive tax shelters.
—
Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Wednesday's reporting appears to contradict Trump's characterization earlier this month of his conversations with the attorney general about the Epstein documents.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
In filings, prosecutors disputed the characterization.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025
Nonprofit officials disputed Kennedy’s characterization of the relationship between the board and himself.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Wednesday's reporting appears to contradict Trump's characterization earlier this month of his conversations with the attorney general about the Epstein documents.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
In filings, prosecutors disputed the characterization.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025
Nonprofit officials disputed Kennedy’s characterization of the relationship between the board and himself.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 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 29 Jul. 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)
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