The phrase "is characteristic of" is often used to describe a common trait or feature of something. However, to avoid repetition, there are several synonyms available to replace this phrase in order to make your writing more interesting and varied. Some of these synonyms include "typical of", "representative of", "indicative of", "symbolic of", "reflective of", "emblematic of", and "archetypical of". Each of these alternatives subtly changes the meaning of the sentence, so it's important to choose the one that best conveys the message you want to express. By using these synonyms, you can add depth and nuance to your writing while avoiding repetition.