Synonyms of define

define

verb

di-ˈfīn 

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

• trace
• outline
• delineate
• sketch
• surround
• circle
• trim
• bound
• round
• silhouette
• line
• margin
• draw
• frame
• fringe
• encircle
• loop
• edge
• rim
• hem
• chart
• ring
• skirt
• map (out)
• compass
• diagram
• girth
• girdle

2

as in to describe

to mark the limits of

the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words

• describe
• limit
• bound
• delimit
• demarcate
• govern
• mark (off)
• circumscribe
• demark
• terminate
• determine
• control
• delineate

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

• characterize
• describe
• portray
• represent
• depict
• character
• identify
• classify
• categorize
• specify
• indicate
• type
• pigeonhole
• distinguish
• mark
• individualize
• stamp
• particularize
• name
• color

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

• specify
• prescribe
• direct
• dictate
• lay down
• order
• tell
• arrange
• assign
• select
• choose
• instruct
• set
• manage
• require
• govern
• constrain
• compel
• control
• conduct
• force
• ordain
• lead
• coerce
• decree
• enjoin
• bid
• fix
• obligate
• settle
• oblige
• command
• adjure
• charge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of define

In truth, plenty of New Yorkers are both privileged and come from elsewhere, but still fall into the rhythm and the patois that has long defined the city. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026

The show frames the American project as defined by a longstanding tension between impulses to maintain the status quo and demands for change. — Cat Dawson, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2026

That latter point, about the growing unaffordability of the things Allianz insures, has become a defining issue for his strategy. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026

He was raised in a town just outside Bristol, England, taught that being the best version of yourself is defined by other people’s lenses. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026