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
Hedges are shrubs planted close together to define outdoor spaces, create privacy, shelter garden rooms, and serve as a backdrop to planting beds.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
But here’s where things get tricky: in most industries, the brands that define culture quickly go national.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
This translates into Jan having to collaborate with many versions of himself that have unique skills and far too many conflicting personalities defined by past events.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Strategic decisions made now, around technology investments, partnerships, and customer education, could determine whether a bank remains competitive in a world increasingly defined by digital currency frameworks.
5.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
But here’s where things get tricky: in most industries, the brands that define culture quickly go national.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
This translates into Jan having to collaborate with many versions of himself that have unique skills and far too many conflicting personalities defined by past events.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Strategic decisions made now, around technology investments, partnerships, and customer education, could determine whether a bank remains competitive in a world increasingly defined by digital currency frameworks.
5.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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Blackburn’s cellphone was traced near the lake, according to the outlets.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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The initial cases were traced back to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Born in Naples, his songs are described as a blend of Neapolitan, blues, jazz and world music.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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The problem described in the lawsuit is that even for domestic travel, if a driver's license and passport identify a person by different sexes, Transportation Security Administration officials accuse the person of holding a fraudulent document.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Down-to-Earth Pope In a historic moment characterized by autocrats and would-be autocrats, Francis was the antithesis of a strongman.—
Bluesky Social,
Bluesky Social,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Dramatic shifts in mood from extreme highs (mania/hypomania) to lows (depression) characterize bipolar disorder.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In her account posted on Wednesday, April 9, the woman — who does not specify her own age — explained that a 17-year-old family member gave birth to her first baby the previous day.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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The state police did not specify when the DNA profile was created.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Zelensky told journalists on Friday that Ukraine had outlined a list of security guarantees with London this week and will pursue his alternative plan following discussions with Trump in Rome on Saturday.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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In a letter to U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman formally outlined the league’s proposal.—
Meg Linehan,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This meant that our view was not limited to the inside of one building.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
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But Kessler only said the informant had identified Abrego Garcia as a gang member, and her decision was limited to the question of whether to release him from custody.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This hiatus was reportedly attributed to an injury sustained by Bo Dallas, who portrays the Uncle Howdy character, as WWE had specific creative plans in place for the entire group.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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These challenges have fueled ongoing discussions about the need to better delineate roles and reduce redundancy across the federal cybersecurity apparatus.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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There is something subtly unbalanced about how the perspective of the staircase has been delineated.—
Barry Schwabsky,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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