Synonyms of defines

defines

verb

present tense third-person singular of define

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

• traces
• outlines
• delineates
• surrounds
• sketches
• lines
• circles
• trims
• silhouettes
• rounds
• margins
• bounds
• encircles
• draws
• edges
• frames
• rings
• fringes
• loops
• rims
• maps (out)
• charts
• skirts
• diagrams
• hems
• girths
• girdles
• compasses

2

as in describes

to mark the limits of

the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words

• describes
• delimits
• bounds
• limits
• governs
• demarcates
• marks (off)
• circumscribes
• terminates
• demarks
• determines
• controls
• delineates

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

• describes
• characterizes
• portrays
• represents
• depicts
• identifies
• characters
• classifies
• types
• specifies
• indicates
• categorizes
• distinguishes
• pigeonholes
• marks
• individualizes
• colors
• stamps
• particularizes
• names

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

• specifies
• prescribes
• directs
• dictates
• arranges
• tells
• lays down
• assigns
• orders
• instructs
• selects
• chooses
• requires
• governs
• decrees
• manages
• sets
• compels
• conducts
• leads
• ordains
• constrains
• obligates
• enjoins
• controls
• forces
• obliges
• settles
• fixes
• coerces
• commands
• bids
• adjures
• charges

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defines

The National Institute of Standards and Technology defines personally identifiable information as data that can distinguish or trace a person’s identity, either alone or when combined with linkable information. — Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

Nowhere to be found in this section, or the entire CBA, is the part that defines what a woman is. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026

The stock remains above the rising monthly cloud model, which defines the secular bull trend. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

If no one defines the work, reviews the output or owns the result, speed can come at the expense of accountability. — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The draft legislation defines the procedures for the group's disarmament and rehabilitation of some PKK members. — Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2026

Inside is cozy and spacious, and a sizable, dog-friendly patio defines the outdoor space. — Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

As people have been able to have greater access to music, for better and for worse, genre no longer defines personality. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026

These issues directly shape how Saudi Arabia defines its willingness to commit to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) regime. — Yoel Guzansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026