1
as in traces
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
Relevance
2
as in describes
to mark the limits of
the river defines the town on the south
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in characterizes
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 specifies
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
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 defines
The cruise line’s Marella Explorer 2 also offers cruises exclusively for grown-ups, which the line defines as those 17 and older.
—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The company’s bet is that the same speed that defines its team can be brought to the systems companies rely on every day.
—
Connie Etemadi,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
America has the opportunity to build the infrastructure that defines the next century of economic and strategic power.
—
Charles Beames,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Every sector that defines American competitiveness, from manufacturing and defense to healthcare and logistics, runs on power.
—
Vinod Khosla,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
The best part about American fashion culture is that there is no one singular look that defines us.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
30 June 2026
Evergy defines large load projects as exceeding 75 megawatts.
—
Sofi Zeman
june 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2026
What defines an ultra-high net worth household isn't an exact science.
—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
One thing that defines all the rooms at Jnane Rumi, but especially the over-the-top annex, is color.
—
Elizabeth Cantrell,
Travel + Leisure,
21 June 2026
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The company’s bet is that the same speed that defines its team can be brought to the systems companies rely on every day.
—
Connie Etemadi,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
America has the opportunity to build the infrastructure that defines the next century of economic and strategic power.
—
Charles Beames,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Every sector that defines American competitiveness, from manufacturing and defense to healthcare and logistics, runs on power.
—
Vinod Khosla,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
The best part about American fashion culture is that there is no one singular look that defines us.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
30 June 2026
Evergy defines large load projects as exceeding 75 megawatts.
—
Sofi Zeman
june 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2026
What defines an ultra-high net worth household isn't an exact science.
—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
One thing that defines all the rooms at Jnane Rumi, but especially the over-the-top annex, is color.
—
Elizabeth Cantrell,
Travel + Leisure,
21 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defines
Verb
-
Rich in both scenery and history, the White Pass & Yukon Route traces the path of gold seekers through some of the most rugged landscapes in North America.
-
More about Goldhofer and its NC expansion The move marks a significant expansion for the firm, which traces its roots to 1705 and formal establishment in 1946.
Verb
-
The 3,200-square-foot residence at 10825 Lola Montez Road in Soda Springs, about 90 minutes from Sacramento via Interstate 80, includes three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but the listing describes it more like a private Sierra camp than a conventional home.
-
In Apple in China, the Financial Times reporter Patrick McGee describes how the US firm’s advanced manufacturing supply chain birthed China’s world-beating consumer electronics sector.
Verb
-
Resilience characterizes many young basketball players at SCC Dixon said.
-
Under that view, a taxpayer who actively participates in management should not receive the benefit simply because state law characterizes the interest as a limited partnership interest.
Verb
-
The legislation passed by congress that may eventually allow Medicare to cover the test also specifies that Galleri should not replace other screening tests.
-
Neither complaint specifies a damages figure.
Verb
-
The Department of Transportation outlines the basic policies in major carriers’ contracts.
-
This is the first of those reports, which outlines advocacy objectives for the upcoming fiscal year — one of which is taxpayer identity theft.
Verb
-
Oprah Winfrey bounds into view in a white dress.
-
Something as simple as adding a tablespoon of fresh ground flax or chia seeds to a smoothie can do leaps and bounds improvement in the microbiome itself.
Verb
-
Michael is a 2026 biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, in which Jackson portrays his uncle, Michael Jackson.
-
Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, portrays Michael Jackson in his acting debut, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long as parents, Joe and Katherine.
Verb
-
His fluid camera, observational without being intrusive, expertly delineates the safe space of Layla’s courtyard, shifting registers as things get darker until near the end, when jumbled night reinforces the tense uncertainty.
-
Wood, specifically Canaletto walnut, delineates many of these elements and unifies the apartment from entrance to end.
Cite this Entry
“Defines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defines. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
