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
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
The dispute highlights the deep mistrust and volatility defining relations between the two governments, with both sides reinforcing military deployments and intensifying rhetoric, raising fears of direct confrontation.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
One where technology quietly supports independence, rather than defines it.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
These varied global efforts are helping to define technical standards, cost models, and business cases for dynamic electric road systems, with induction being one of several competing technologies (others include ground-rails and overhead power supply).
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
His wit, taste, and irreverent sense of elegance defined the brand and inspired everyone who worked with him.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
One where technology quietly supports independence, rather than defines it.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
These varied global efforts are helping to define technical standards, cost models, and business cases for dynamic electric road systems, with induction being one of several competing technologies (others include ground-rails and overhead power supply).
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
His wit, taste, and irreverent sense of elegance defined the brand and inspired everyone who worked with him.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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Tomasso traces his approach to a moment early in his career.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
-
While Big Band music has roots tracing back to New Orleans, its major hubs included New York, Chicago and Kansas City.—
Alexa Stone
Updated October 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If so, Scoresby unwittingly described the effects of a shift in the quantity of solar radiation that reached Earth’s surface.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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On August 22, she was attacked while on a Charlotte light train in what police described as an unprovoked stabbing.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, strongly disputed the accusations, saying that prosecutors characterized Rozier as a subject of their investigation and not a target.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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At the time, pranks characterized America’s Halloween celebrations.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By refusing to specify details of the case, the government keeps the possibility alive of changing their reasoning or their claims to have the same effect for different reasons—just as the mob changes its reasoning for killing Cinna.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
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The label doesn’t specify the thread count, but the sheets certainly felt soft and luxurious.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Robb Report,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The level of investment outlined in the agreement shows how serious the two nations are about addressing the problem.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
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In an exclusive interview at Nike’s Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters, Hill outlined a strategy that hinges on innovation, sport, and rebuilding trust with consumers after years of slowing growth and mounting competition.—
Merritt Enright,
CNBC,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Rockets big man Alperen Şengün was limited to 5-of-18 shooting after a strong season opener in Oklahoma City.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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We, in collaboration with our partners, store and/or access information on a user's device, including but not limited to IP addresses, unique identifiers, and browsing data stored in cookies, in order to process personal data.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Pennywise has now been portrayed in a miniseries, two films, and now series, but only by two actors.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
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Prettejohn portrayed a young Princess Elizabeth in the sixth season of Netflix’s The Crown and will next be seen in the musical drama The Testament of Ann Lee from The Brutalist scribe Mona Fastvold, which premiered in Venice ahead of a Christmas Day release.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The opening number remains a stunner as choreographer Ellenore Scott finding fresh ways of delineating all the major and minor characters and introducing the tensions that will further tighten throughout the show.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
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Consistent cadence and properly delineating sentences and statements vastly improve any output the glasses produce.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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