Thesaurus results for DEFINES

defines

verb

present tense third-person singular of define

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

as in describes

to mark the limits of the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 piece is also topped by a jeweled medallion, adding to the sense of theatricality that often defines the studio’s late 19th-century commissions. —

Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 There’s always at least one tone that defines a season—in recent times, butter yellow, chocolate brown, and cherry red have all been top contenders—but what seemed particularly impactful this season was how many brands embraced poignant palettes. —

Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026 Someone who defines how it’s done. —

Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 Our integrity defines us as an organization and drives our mission of providing accountability in our public safety efforts. —

Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 If there is an official anthem for the weirdness that defines Portland, this may be the one. —

Spin Team, SPIN, 20 Apr. 2026 There have been at least 114 mass shootings in the US so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which, like CNN, defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are shot, not including the shooter. —

Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026 There’s a danger that what defines Apple in the future will simply be its hardware. —

Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Having a say over who comes and goes into a country is an intrinsic part of what defines a country. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defines

Verb

This madness traces straight back to Khan’s war on companies — from soda bottlers to tech giants and even Uber-Lyft driver pay deals.

— Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
As Siâvash increasingly retreats into imaginary characters, the documentary traces a sibling relationship shaped and strained by displacement, set against a backdrop of escalating tension between Iran and the United States that carries personal consequences for both subjects.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026