define

verb

di-ˈfīn How to pronounce define (audio)
Definition of definenext
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

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2
as in to describe
to mark the limits of the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

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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

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 define For each critical process, define the maximum tolerable disruption, key dependencies, minimum acceptable service level and owner. — Bojan Ilic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 In recent years, the conversation surrounding Yung Miami has been defined by everything but the music. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 Oct. 2026 The Israeli and Brazilian elections could define a generation in their respective nations. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026 The 2024 election forced the world to deal with a man who has never defined enoughness for himself. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
  1. trace
  2. describe
  3. characterize
  4. specify
  5. outline
  6. limit
  7. portray
  8. delineate
Verb
  • The novel begins with Percheron contemplating news of Field’s death, and proceeds to trace their youths, including their meeting, in 1807, when Field is humbled by Percheron’s virtuosity on the piano.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Once that happens, election officials cannot trace an individual voter’s ballot to remove it from the count.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of trace
Verb
  • Cargo aircraft for remote routes Aviern’s website describes an aircraft called the A600, designed to carry 600 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In a report submitted to the city by FSMY Architects + Planners, the design firm describes the tower as creating a distinctive silhouette within the downtown skyline.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of describe
Verb
  • El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by warmer waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that spur changes in the atmosphere that can affect weather around the world.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Physical description The oyamel fir is characterized by its straight gray trunk and narrow conical crown and typically grows between 40 and 60 meters (130–200 feet) tall.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • Idaho law does not specify which direction folks walking on the shoulder must face — or which side of the road they’re supposed to be on.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Although Breslin’s proposal doesn’t specify the multi-family units as apartments rather than for-purchase condos, the building design is consistent with modern apartment buildings.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • As outlined in the European Council Conclusions of December 2019 and reiterated in June 2025, the Türkiye-Libya Memorandum of Understanding infringes upon the sovereign rights of third States and does not comply with the Law of the Sea.
    — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The subpoenas request any documents and communications related to letters sent in July and October by federal officials to state election officials outlining the allegations about noncitizen voters.
    — Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of outline
Verb
  • The strikes also aimed to limit Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Bruins’ deeper bench outscored Arizona’s reserves 17-4 in the first half, the Wildcats’ production largely limited to Kharchenkov, who had 18 points.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of limit
Verb
  • Beckman portrayed the first lady's work on the ceasefire as an extension of her efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families after they were separated by Russia's war against Ukraine.
    — BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Pundits continue to portray the Taiwan Strait as the world’s most dangerous flashpoint; the summit’s agenda suggested otherwise.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of portray
Verb
  • Looking for these details in others’ profiles can help delineate between users who are using AI to fabricate their profiles and presenting authentic personas.
    — Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The new plan delineates rough land-use areas, not specific buildings or footprints.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of delineate

Browse Nearby Words

definable
define
defined
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Cite this Entry

“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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