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definition

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce definition (audio)
Definition of definitionnext
as in description
a vivid representation in words of someone or something he gave us his definition of the perfect romantic evening on the town

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 definition Unlike Paris or New York, which are exhibitionists and appreciate a certain voyeur, Milan, as Porter implied, resists a single definition. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026 The Baggu Large Reversible Nylon Tote is the definition of functional—it’s made from easy-to-clean nylon, comes with a detachable zip pouch, and is reversible. — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026 Does this capital provider’s definition of success align with our long-term quality standards? — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Underlying cause is the right standard for official mortality statistics, and a clearer surveillance definition would help. — Jess Steier, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definition
  1. description
  2. portrait
  3. depiction
  4. portrayal
Noun
  • This is barely a description of what actually happens, but more of an understanding of what lies beneath the surface of the plot, the emotional core of the adventure at hand, maybe even what critics sometimes call the driving force of a novel.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Jack Reacher series author Lee Child endorsed Cruise’s casting at the time, despite the actor not matching the physical description of his massive ex-Army investigator.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of description
Noun
  • Over his shoulder was an enormous portrait of the hatchet-wielding temperance crusader Carrie Nation, an icon of resistance to the excesses of the first Gilded Age, when similar discontent had roiled the prairies.
    — Kyle Paoletta, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Combs idolized his father, Melvin, wearing his portrait on a medallion around his neck; Christian treats his father with the same reverence.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • The depiction of schizophrenia on screen — especially in horror movies — has largely seen the mental health condition linked to violent and unpredictable rages, showing people when something has gone horribly wrong.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Davis looked to the 1920s for the collection, drawing on artist Charles Demuth’s depictions of sailors, dockworkers and flappers gathering in speakeasies.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • These two novels are just a sampling of recent portrayals of this surreal land of limbo, but there are many more.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The 20th episode of the first season is beloved by Clevelanders for its portrayal of their city as an over-the-top friendly place when Floyd takes Liz there to show her around.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of portrayal

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Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definition. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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