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defined

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verb

past tense of define
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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

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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 defined
Verb
And to be an American is to be embroiled in the great democratic experiment that has been defined by division from the beginning. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 The first merges Birkenstock’s first-ever sandal, the one-strap Madrid from 1963, featured with the Big Buckle, and is merged with its successor, the Arizona sandal launched in 1973 and defined by the brand’s original square buckles. Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 28 June 2026 Is it defined by the scrappy, DIY spirit of Derek Jarman in the 1980s, or the New Queer Cinema movement in the 1990s, courtesy of directors like Gregg Araki and Gus Van Sant? Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026 Minasian, who was hired after the 2020 season, compiled a 392-500 record during a tenure defined by drama, late-season collapses and chaotic roster turnover. Sam Blum, New York Times, 27 June 2026 The format is intentionally familiar to fans accustomed to Formula 1 standings, while preserving the individual performances that have always defined action sports. Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Through five innings, the 27-year-old struck out seven batters and gave up seven hits while allowing two runs, continuing to cement himself as Miami’s most consistent pitcher in a season defined by injuries across the pitching staff. Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026 And with each throw, Matt’s own place in the world was defined, little by little. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 With his black hat, beard and baritone voice, Waylon defined the rebel, gritty spirit of the country music outlaw movement. Robert Costa, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defined
Adjective
  • Researchers observed signs of fishing pressure within its already restricted range, and some localities where walking sharks were reportedly once common no longer appear to support populations.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • The first, and most obvious, is the growing sense of an emergent player empowerment era, one in which the line between restricted and unrestricted free agency continues to blur.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Police traced the other vehicle to McPherson.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Through that, the white sprinter van and white passenger minivan were traced to 123 Bay 10th Street in Brooklyn.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • What The $10 Million Cap Changes At the old $1 million ceiling, operational risk was bounded by the dollar amount.
    Sabeer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Then after another Algerian wave of pressure, Gouiri tapped in a loose ball after a corner from Anis Hadj Moussa, Mahrez’s replacement after the hydration break in the 76th minute, bounded loosely through the box.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The other report described four cases of tetanus in children in four different states — Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin — all occurring in 2024.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • At the center of KeyBanc’s hesitation is Starship, the giant reusable rocket that Musk, the CEO, has described as critical to the future of satellite deployment, deep-space exploration and, eventually, colonization of Mars.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The judge found the department overstepped its authority by adding criteria not specified by Congress, agreeing the rule would cause irreparable harm.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The account is established for the benefit of the child specified.
    Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Old buildings and infrastructure, limited uptake of air conditioning and little acclimatization to those highs mean European populations are less equipped to cope with such temperatures than other parts of the world.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2026
  • Beyond the limited number of residences, a secure motor court ensures discretion for arrivals and departures.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • But the mission’s goals outlined by the space agency—tasks such as scouting unexplored terrain, detecting stores of subsurface ice and monitoring atmospheric dust—are a far cry from the preexisting priority of Mars Sample Return and the associated search for alien life.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 22 June 2026
  • Should Tuesday's launch be delayed for any reason, SpaceX has outlined a backup opportunity on June 24, with a launch window opening at the same time.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The land was only officially demarcated as Indigenous territory in 2005.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026
  • The line there was visible, demarcated by a wide dirt path and small yellow markings.
    Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Defined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defined. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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