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 Organizations can invest heavily in AI while employees continue developing toward yesterday’s definition of value. — Ghenwa Habbal, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 Some of the definitions are different between the national healthcare debate and Lamont’s in-the-works plan. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2026 The definition includes the state, municipalities, the University of Wisconsin System, the Technical College System, public school districts and any board, commission or agency created by law, including the Legislature and the courts. — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 The debt limit is the definition of a must-pass bill, even more than issues like funding the government and the defense budget. — Spencer Kimball,garrett Downs,dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,justin Papp, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definition
  1. description
  2. portrait
  3. depiction
  4. portrayal
Noun
  • Raul Guerrero fits that description, serving in the US Army military police in 1968, 15 years into a US-South Korean mutual defense arrangement that endures to this day.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
  • After running the vehicle’s description into the Alaska Public Safety Information Network, law enforcement found the matching vehicle — which is registered to Jack — parked at the Anchorage Amazon warehouse.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of description
Noun
  • Across its music collaborations, portrait tees, and tributes, the list includes everyone from Michael Jackson to the Velvet Underground, Nirvana, Butthole Surfers, My Bloody Valentine, Daniel Johnston, Aphex Twin, and SALEM.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Avaialble in red and blue hues, the bandana showcases a portrait of Mimi in a field of blooms.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • The result is a hilarious, all-too-real depiction of the existential angst that has come to plague Gen Z-ers across the globe.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Representations of fauna include horses, deer, wild oxen, and at least one bear, though identification is difficult due to the limited depiction of details such as eyes, nostrils, hooves, manes, and coats.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • Despite that growing support, Bass and her allies’ negative portrayal of Raman in attack ads had an effect, as Raman’s unfavorable ratings rose month by month.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • As Vega consulted on the script, it’s widely seen as a groundbreaker of trans portrayals onscreen in the 21st century.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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