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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defines
One song on Laughter in Summer defines Copeland’s evolution, both musical and spiritual.
—
Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
And while that certainly defines Isakov’s own brand, the resort reality is more complex than that.
—David G. Allan Feb 15, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
No judges, little judgment and a celebration of the unique skill that defines the game — shooting.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
They are described by a single wave function that defines the possible states of both particles.
—Quanta Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
That is the process that defines what a main-sequence star is.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
This article highlights what defines true expertise and how to find the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey based on experience, training, and technology.
—Daniel Fusch, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
That calculation, Israeli analysts say, defines the red line.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
The bed adds privacy and defines the space around the flagstone paver patio.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
And while that certainly defines Isakov’s own brand, the resort reality is more complex than that.
—David G. Allan Feb 15, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
No judges, little judgment and a celebration of the unique skill that defines the game — shooting.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
They are described by a single wave function that defines the possible states of both particles.
—Quanta Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
That is the process that defines what a main-sequence star is.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
This article highlights what defines true expertise and how to find the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey based on experience, training, and technology.
—Daniel Fusch, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
That calculation, Israeli analysts say, defines the red line.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
The bed adds privacy and defines the space around the flagstone paver patio.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defines
Verb
-
The falling snow provided a fitting backdrop for a niche Alpine sport that traces its roots back to the late 19th century.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The book is an illustrated autobiography that traces Dillane’s beginnings selling T-shirts in high school to his popular fashion shows in New York and Paris.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Badenhausen describes the impact that the World Cup might have on his 2027 numbers (minimal) and what the schedule flip might mean (different things for different teams).—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
17 Feb. 2026
-
White describes Stephen in that instant as almost electrified by the realization.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Tozal characterizes the neighborhood response to the redesign of Archer as universally negative, but there have been many weeks when supporters have outnumbered opponents during the protests.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
What is a greater hit against a presidential administration that characterizes itself as the party of family values than marrying two people in love on stage?—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The bill specifies that the armed volunteers would be able to provide services on any property owned or leased by a religious institution, including property used for education.—
Lauren Costantino
February 5,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The listing typically specifies the max size and hookup situation.—
Outside,
Outside,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The World Gold Council outlines several scenarios.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
-
From giving red packets to ensuring your home is properly prepared, CNN outlines the essential do’s and don’ts to help set the tone for a successful year ahead.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Non-pro Bastian Escobar plays the boy and Hugo Ramírez, also a non-pro, portrays his father.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Jones portrays the fierce warrior Prince Vlad of Wallachia, who goes on to become the mythical Dracula.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There is an unmarked though unmistakable border that delineates passage into a different ecosystem, a different landscape, a different experience of being within the land.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Nov. 2025
-
There’s a wealth of seating options to take in the views or cozy up by the double-sided fireplace that delineates the living and dining rooms.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the special filmed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, Fleming bounds across the stage sharing his takes on masculinity, conga lines, Trader Joes, Oreos, NPR, dog breeds and more.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Each time Ivy's owner, Ryan, draws nearer, the dog fakes him out and bounds away, tail wagging.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defines. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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