Synonyms of defined

defined 1 of 2

adjective

as in restricted

having distinct or certain limits

well defined guidelines on the range of activities in which the intelligence agency can engage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restricted
• limited
• finite
• definite
• narrow
• measured
• bounded
• specific
• circumscribed
• determinate
• confined
• detailed
• qualified
• modified
• fixed
• small
• determined
• constricted
• settled
• precise
• tiny
• exact
• moderate
• modest
• puny
• minute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undefined
• infinite
• unlimited
• unbounded
• indefinite
• limitless
• dimensionless
• endless
• boundless
• immeasurable
• unmeasured
• general
• vague
• innumerable
• countless
• illimitable
• incalculable
• inexhaustible
• measureless
• unfathomable
• indeterminate
• inestimable
• nebulous
• enlarged
• unqualified
• expanded
• bottomless
• unreserved
• large
• extensive
• considerable
• great
• substantial
• plentiful
• vast
• major
• copious
• big
• broad
• super
• voluminous
• handsome
• inclusive
• sizable
• comprehensive
• whole
• respectable
• universal
• bulky
• expansive
• escalated
• epic
• goodly
• global
• grandiose
• ample
• sweeping
• jumbo
• hefty
• oversize
• cosmopolitan
• bumper
• plenitudinous
• largish
• whacking
• hulking
• king-size
• overscale

defined

2 of 2

verb

past tense of define

1

as in traced

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

• traced
• outlined
• sketched
• delineated
• surrounded
• rounded
• silhouetted
• trimmed
• circled
• lined
• bounded
• framed
• margined
• drew
• edged
• fringed
• hemmed
• rimmed
• skirted
• encircled
• charted
• looped
• ringed
• mapped (out)
• diagrammed
• girdled
• compassed
• girthed

2

as in bounded

to mark the limits of

the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bounded
• described
• limited
• demarcated
• delimited
• circumscribed
• marked (off)
• governed
• demarked
• terminated
• controlled
• determined
• delineated

3

as in described

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

• described
• characterized
• portrayed
• represented
• depicted
• identified
• classified
• specified
• categorized
• charactered
• indicated
• typed
• pigeonholed
• marked
• named
• stamped
• individualized
• distinguished
• colored
• particularized

4

as in specified

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

• specified
• prescribed
• directed
• laid down
• arranged
• dictated
• ordered
• assigned
• selected
• told
• decreed
• required
• instructed
• set
• ordained
• controlled
• governed
• managed
• chose
• conducted
• fixed
• constrained
• led
• enjoined
• compelled
• forced
• settled
• obligated
• charged
• obliged
• commanded
• coerced
• adjured
• bade

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defined

Verb

There was a time when Florida-Auburn was one of the games that defined the SEC. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Since there are few walls in the living areas of the home, rooms are defined in other ways. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

The researchers then defined a conditional quantum state, representing information available after restricting attention to a particular event. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

That mix of personal passion and international perspective has defined Rebordinos’ tenure. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Occupations Mizusawa’s career has been defined by national security and public service. — Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Our nation’s future requires a clear-eyed understanding of how its aspirations for freedom and democracy coexisted with an institution defined by violence and injustice. — Drew Gilpin Faust, The New York Review of Books, 19 Sep. 2026

But we are defined by our ability to find light in the darkest places. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

Texas barbecue is typically defined by salt-and-pepper brisket and pork ribs, but this new crop of halal pitmasters is adding inventive twists, often based on their own family heritages. — Ulaa Kuziez, NPR, 6 Sep. 2026