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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of define
The tie waist defines your shape without feeling restrictive, and the lightweight fabric drapes just right.
—
Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2025
By embracing humility, slashing through red tape, and refusing to coast on past wins, Sheridan aims to write the next chapter in Brooks’ century-plus story—one defined by resilience, adaptability, and above all, staying hungry.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 July 2025
Betts spent the All-Star break — his first healthy break when he wasn’t named an All-Star since 2015 — back in the Nashville, Tenn., area, working out at a facility and continuing his deluge of swings that have defined his season.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 20 July 2025
Whether the pending head of editorial content reports to Anna Wintour, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, or some yet-unknown successor, Vogue’s uphill battle requires earning influence with audiences no longer trusting it to define trends.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2025
By embracing humility, slashing through red tape, and refusing to coast on past wins, Sheridan aims to write the next chapter in Brooks’ century-plus story—one defined by resilience, adaptability, and above all, staying hungry.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 July 2025
Betts spent the All-Star break — his first healthy break when he wasn’t named an All-Star since 2015 — back in the Nashville, Tenn., area, working out at a facility and continuing his deluge of swings that have defined his season.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 20 July 2025
Whether the pending head of editorial content reports to Anna Wintour, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, or some yet-unknown successor, Vogue’s uphill battle requires earning influence with audiences no longer trusting it to define trends.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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The researchers also traced the origins of the key tuber-forming genes within the potato.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
31 July 2025
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Inside, powerful exhibits trace Nantucket’s free Black community and its abolitionist movement with original pews, archival letters and multimedia panels.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Verb
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The Grand Canyon has never been adequately described in words or music notes.—
Tom Zoellner,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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Survivor syndrome, a term from organizational psychology, describes what happens next.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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But despite still amassing wins and accolades, Ledecky – whose early career was characterized by outrageously fast times – hadn’t bagged a world record in seven years.—
Amy Woodyatt,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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And all these studies are based on self-reporting by individuals, and family members may characterize their roles differently.—
Howard Gleckman,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Advertisement Macron has not specified what territory France would recognize as being part of a Palestinian state.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
25 July 2025
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The law doesn’t specify a grade level for instruction but calls for all students to be proficient.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Yes, but before that, the grooming process, as outlined at the trial, was a socialization.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 July 2025
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France and Saudi Arabia together issued a declaration backed by the Arab League and its members such as Egypt and Qatar, outlining steps toward implementing a two-state solution.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
31 July 2025
Verb
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The Texans also have an offensive line coach whose NFL experience is limited to being a co- or assistant offensive line coach.—
KC Joyner,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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Duncan used to manage the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and successfully argued the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case that limited contraceptive access under the Affordable Care Act.—
Kate Broad
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Players will investigate real manuscripts and historic accounts that complicate established theories; probe characters portrayed by actors and explore restricted areas in landmark monuments, some of which have never been accessed by non-custodians.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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The Murder Mystery 2 star’s father, Stanley, was the inspiration for the character of Stanley Sugerman, a basketball recruiter Adam portrayed in 2022’s Hustle.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
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In the past, a team might have clearly delineated positions.—
Manikandarajan Shanmugavel,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Emotional resonance is becoming as important as form, and color is being used strategically to evoke mood, delineate zones, and support well-being.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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