define

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

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2
as in to describe
to mark the limits of the river defines the town on the south

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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

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4

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 define Hedges are shrubs planted close together to define outdoor spaces, create privacy, shelter garden rooms, and serve as a backdrop to planting beds. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025 But here’s where things get tricky: in most industries, the brands that define culture quickly go national. Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025 This translates into Jan having to collaborate with many versions of himself that have unique skills and far too many conflicting personalities defined by past events. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Strategic decisions made now, around technology investments, partnerships, and customer education, could determine whether a bank remains competitive in a world increasingly defined by digital currency frameworks. 5. Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
  • Blackburn’s cellphone was traced near the lake, according to the outlets.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The initial cases were traced back to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Wife describes troubled life of victim The dead man, Jorge Gonzalez, 37, immigrated to the United States from Mexico about 20 years ago, his wife, Teresa, told the New York Daily News.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Those amendments — described by Sen. Faith Winter as the hearing began around 3:15 p.m. — will come at the end of what is set to be a long day in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Dystonia is an umbrella term for movement disorders characterized by sustained or repetitive muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures or movements.
    Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
  • Forbes reports that a significant 69% of the youngest generation perceive middle management as a role characterized by high-stress levels and minimal rewards.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The agency said chapters of the report underwent peer review but did not specify who reviewed it.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
  • Additionally, the home provides type not specified.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Zelensky told journalists on Friday that Ukraine had outlined a list of security guarantees with London this week and will pursue his alternative plan following discussions with Trump in Rome on Saturday.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In a letter to U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman formally outlined the league’s proposal.
    Meg Linehan, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, cryptocurrency’s volatility and complex user interfaces limited the appeal of gambling for less technical users.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Complications and poor results, after returning to the U.S.A., may limit a patient's options for postoperative follow-up treatment in an appropriate manner.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This hiatus was reportedly attributed to an injury sustained by Bo Dallas, who portrays the Uncle Howdy character, as WWE had specific creative plans in place for the entire group.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These challenges have fueled ongoing discussions about the need to better delineate roles and reduce redundancy across the federal cybersecurity apparatus.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • There is something subtly unbalanced about how the perspective of the staircase has been delineated.
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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