characteristic synonyms

characteristic

modif.

distinctive, typical, representative, distinguishing, peculiar, individual, idiosyncratic, emblematic, natural, normal, innate, fixed, essential, marked, discriminative, symbolic, individualizing, discriminating, specific, personal, signature, trademark, original, individualistic, differentiating, unique, special, appropriate, particular, symptomatic, private, exclusive, inherent, inborn, inbred, ingrained, native, diagnostic, indicative, diacritical, inseparable, ineradicable, in the blood, true to form; see also natural 1, 2, typical.

Antonyms uncharacteristic, aberrant, unexpected, erratic.

characteristic suggests the indication of a quality that is typical of or peculiar to, and that helps identify, something or someone her characteristic disdain for convention, the characteristic taste of honey; individual and distinctive suggest the possession of a quality or qualities that distinguish something from others of its class or kind, distinctive often adding the implication of excellence an individual, or distinctive, literary style

characteristic

n.

trait, feature, attribute, quality, property, essential, faculty, peculiarity, idiosyncrasy, individuality, style, aspect, flavor, savor, tone, tinge, distinction, manner, bearing, inclination, nature, personality, temperament, frame, originality, singularity, qualification, virtue, mark, essence, point, turn, caliber, complexion, streak, stripe, particularity, lineament, diagnostic, cast, trick, earmark, mannerism, quirk, trademark, badge, symptom, disposition, specialty, mood, character, endowment, bent, tendency, component, thing*.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.