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
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Recent Examples of define
Both stylists say to define curls using a curl cream and a diffuser.
—
Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
Digital Transformation Propelled by Emerging Technologies Significant technical innovation is defining the transformative digital age.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Injuries would define the latter stages of her career, resulting in a loss of form and a drop in the rankings.
—Lukas Weese, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Medical records reportedly revealed that Hogan was previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation — a heart condition defined as having an irregular heart rhythm — and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a form of cancer.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
Digital Transformation Propelled by Emerging Technologies Significant technical innovation is defining the transformative digital age.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Injuries would define the latter stages of her career, resulting in a loss of form and a drop in the rankings.
—Lukas Weese, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Medical records reportedly revealed that Hogan was previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation — a heart condition defined as having an irregular heart rhythm — and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a form of cancer.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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The problem often traces back to the early days when founders were focused on building rather than documenting—but those shortcuts become expensive roadblocks when buyers start their due diligence, which ideally begins at the onset of exit negotiations.—
Keegan Caldwell,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Rise and fall The Eastman Kodak Company incorporated in 1892, but the company traces its roots back to 1879, when George Eastman obtained hist first patent for a plate-coating machine.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The post described troops working behind the scenes in police offices, and conducting traffic management and manning perimeters around crime scenes when necessary.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
17 Aug. 2025
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This differs significantly from the focus of previous research, says Chunlei Guo, co-author of a study describing the breakthrough published in the journal Light: Science and Applications.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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While relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan have been characterized by extreme vitriol for over 30 years, Ibrahim expressed optimism that relations post-Washington could turn a new leaf.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Aug. 2025
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Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and costs, as well as a jury trial, but does not specify an amount.—
Mark Harper,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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Using numbers to mark their love timeline is quite fitting, seeing as their wedding program from two years ago also specified exactly how long they had been engaged before tying the knot.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Rahul Patel, Principal Analyst at Ampere Analysis, will add data outlining market realities.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 Aug. 2025
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This article will define vicarious financial trauma, explore real-world examples of it, and outline a path to financial healing.—
Rahkim Sabree,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The aide was appropriately alarmed and immediately secured the mayor’s office, asked security to limit access to the floor that includes the mayor’s office, and notified police of the threat to kill Alves.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
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The investments at the SAP Center include, but are not limited to, renovations to keep the area up to NHL requirements, architectural and entertainment enhancements, and code upgrades.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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American leaders and commentators often portrayed international adversaries in unflattering and discursive brushstrokes.—
Time,
Time,
8 Aug. 2025
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South Park went after Homeland Security on its social media pages and made Vice President JD Vance a key target in the latest episode, portraying him toddler-sized next to Trump.—
Joshua Sammons,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Known as Gansevoort Landing, it’s delineated mostly with paint right now, although LeFrancois would love to build it up long-term.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
29 July 2025
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In the past, a team might have clearly delineated positions.—
Manikandarajan Shanmugavel,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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