1
as in to trace
to draw or make apparent the outline of
the glass skyscraper's sleek silhouette was strikingly defined by the setting sun to its west
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
as in to characterize
to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group
a woman who is defined by her unswerving loyalty to her friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to specify
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
let me define the task so that there is no doubt in your minds about what needs to be done
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of define
Wall Street defines a correction as a drop of 10% from a recent high.
—
Yun Li, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
As usual, there are trendy bikinis and swimsuits that always ask for space in our closet, little tops meant to save us from the rising temperatures, and the kind of light floral dresses and skirts that define the season.
—Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025
The original music video is basically a love letter to the sandwich itself, packed with shoutouts to favorite bodegas, playful debates over prices, and the kind of everyday moments that define a New York morning.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The lid remains fixed and firm, and Marion’s enthusiasm and zest to achieve has also defined the program in short order.
—Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Yun Li, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
As usual, there are trendy bikinis and swimsuits that always ask for space in our closet, little tops meant to save us from the rising temperatures, and the kind of light floral dresses and skirts that define the season.
—Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025
The original music video is basically a love letter to the sandwich itself, packed with shoutouts to favorite bodegas, playful debates over prices, and the kind of everyday moments that define a New York morning.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The lid remains fixed and firm, and Marion’s enthusiasm and zest to achieve has also defined the program in short order.
—Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
-
What To Know Authorities traced the funds to three cryptocurrency wallet addresses, after the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio filed a civil forfeiture complaint in February highlighting the scam.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The film traces the mothers’ effort leading up to the school’s 2023 opening.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Some of your co-stars have described treacherous filming conditions in Thailand.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Several Idaho Latinos described listening to Reggaeton music since childhood with family and friends.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Cold Creek was planted in the 1970s and exists as one of the state’s oldest vineyards; its fruit is characterized by ripe fruit intensity which the winery balances by picking the grapes over a four week period to showcase varying sweetness levels for a complex palate in flavor and structure.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
While central New South Wales is now characterized by plains and plateaus, during the Miocene, the region was surrounded by lush rainforests, according to the study.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
These handouts reportedly outlined how individuals using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) could be eligible for the Child Tax Credit.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
-
However, some of the guidelines outlined in the iPLEDGE program were previously overly strict, confusing and non-inclusive.—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Premier League clubs voted in December 2023 to limit transfer fee amortisation to five years, though the limit was not backdated.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Historically, at least, IDR plans limit borrowers’ monthly payments to a share of their discretionary income and cancel any remaining debt after a certain period, typically 20 years or 25 years.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Kramer portrays an investigator working on the case.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Oscar winner portrays a former president leading an investigation in the aftermath of a deadly national cyber attack.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This expansive novel delineates the multigenerational fallout from a young bride’s impulsive decision to leave her new husband for his best friend.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Pay special attention to the way the architectural details guide you through the rooms—ceiling lines delineate spaces for lounging and function, and the narrow, sliced windows in the bedroom and living spaces frame painting-like views of the landscape.—
Tim Nelson,
Architectural Digest,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share