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 Mayo Clinic defines the mental health condition as typically marked by hallucinations, delusions, depression, and mania. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026

The former shoe, which lacks the gel Swoosh on its profile that defines the latter, was originally designed with Scottie Pippen in mind. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

But this stunts innovation, growth, and the competition that defines Western capitalist economies, particularly technology sectors. — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026

The corset with visible boning and hook-and-eye closures defines the silhouette and looks perfect with the soft drape of the skirt. — Madeline Dangmann, Glamour, 28 Sep. 2026

That’s a designation that NASA defines as an incident that results in more than $2 million of damage, the loss of control or destruction of a vehicle, or a loss of life. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

That the victory was engineered by two previously anonymous or forgotten role players defines that Dodger legacy. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Bugatti Brandon Haw Architecture, which is designing this project and has extensive experience building residential towers, will incorporate Bugatti's signature C-line, the styling element that defines the side profile of its performance cars. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

Jewelry is also essential, both day and night, and is probably the element that defines my style the most. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026