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defined

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verb

past tense of define
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as in described
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

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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 defined
Verb
It will be defined by who constructs the systems that allow both to scale together—and who had the capital, the patience, and the mandate to start building before anyone else. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Boxy, Straight-Lined Furniture Sharp angles and rigid silhouettes once defined contemporary interiors, but designers are increasingly embracing softer forms. Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026 Every game in the Finals was defined by razor-thin margins. Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026 As Anthony begins serving his sentence and prepares an appeal, here's a look back at the moments that defined the case. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026 But Paredes said that success can be defined in other ways, too. Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2026 And Jon Snow was almost defined by his goodness. Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026 The ensemble was defined by a bold bib-like white panel across the bodice, long sleeves, and crisp white cuffs. Elle Meier, InStyle, 13 June 2026 In the past its structure must have been more compact and defined, as opposed to its amorphous shape today. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defined
Adjective
  • The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026
  • Actually Announced About Peptides Kennedy’s announcement covered peptides the FDA moved to Category 2 in late 2023, a restricted status that effectively pulled them off compounding pharmacy shelves.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Its earliest iteration can be traced back to the 1870s, when Scottish inventor John Boyd Dunlop—best known for patenting the pneumatic tire—made good on his familiarity with rubber to design a low-top canvas shoe with a vulcanized rubber sole.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 15 June 2026
  • According to AccuWeather, the cluster of disturbed weather over Mexico can be traced in part to moisture associated with Cristina, which reached tropical storm strength in the eastern Pacific Ocean south of Central America.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • An African nation bounded by the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to its north has prospered a kinship in a town located in a state literally smack-dab in the middle of America — a town whose new college football stadium is accented by light towers made to represent wheat.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
  • The order covered an area bounded by Soto Street and Indiana Street and extending from the 10 Freeway south to Washington Boulevard.
    Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Last May, after playing through pain in his right hand, a slumping Alvarez was sidelined with what the team described as a muscle strain.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Rondeau described her father as a devoted dad who took her to volleyball and softball practice, went camping with her and taught her about the outdoors.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The park hasn’t specified when the ride will close for refurbishment and reopen.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • No back orders, unless specified by the individual vendor.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Super Bowl veteran Matthew Stafford, on the verge of his 18th season, will get limited snaps in the offseason, leaving Bennett and Simpson to take additional first-team snaps.
    Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 21 June 2026
  • While the numbers of comedies on the ballot stayed almost level with last year (up very slightly to 71 from 69), dramas dropped from 126 in 2025 to 110 this year, and limited/anthology series are down to 31, from 44 last year.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The blazer featured two wide lapels outlined in a whip stitch and stacked pocket flaps on each side of body.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 June 2026
  • The ideals that are outlined in the Declaration of Independence are timeless.
    Faith Salie, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The line there was visible, demarcated by a wide dirt path and small yellow markings.
    Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Instead, Yoo provides pearls of thoughtful surrealist images on a long string, a new sentence only demarcated by a capital letter.
    Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Defined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defined. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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