redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

redefined; redefining; redefines

transitive verb

1

: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate

had to redefine their terms

2

a

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

b

: transform sense 1c

redefinition

(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 

noun

Synonyms of redefine

• reconsider
• revisit
• review

Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity

Recent Examples on the Web

In that span, the de la Cruz Collection along with several other premier private hoards of art on public exhibit in Miami, helped to wholly redefine the city as a place far more substantial than just a sun’n’fun capital. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

Reviewing the motivations and actions of the characters and, if necessary, redefining certain areas of the book is quite a challenge. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2025

Completed in 2006 after starting construction in 1993, this massive concrete giant redefined what large-scale water engineering could achieve. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

But an engineering team from the University of California San Diego is redefining what health trackers can look like. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for redefine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

1

: to define (as a concept) again

redefined their terms

2

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

redefine our goals