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

The General Assembly created the Board of Regents, defined its authority, and now has the power to investigate and change that structure. — Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Legal experts on the other side question the notion that a public nuisance can be defined so broadly to include both the sale of a legal product and the impact on carbon pollution, much of it coming from China and India. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

As stores were cleared out and inventory marked down, shoppers once again encountered Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores stripped of the upscale allure that had defined them. — Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Stocks are coming off a week defined by surging Treasury yields and a surprisingly lackluster jobs report that helped ease concerns about another Fed rate hike this month. — Justina Lee,tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Abdy and De Luca represent a filmmaking approach that isn’t solely defined by sequels and CGI. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026

The former is defined by a lack of oils, where your skin barrier is thirsty for fats that make skin feel hydrated, bouncy, and happy. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026

Abercrombie has been more focused on listening to shoppers than on protecting the narrow identity that once defined it. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026

Operation Vivaldi has been largely defined by Ukraine’s innovative use of technology, especially aerial and ground drones and armored personal carriers. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026