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
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2
as in describes
to mark the limits of
the river defines the town on the south
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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
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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
For more on how the IRS defines Roth IRAs, visit the IRS Roth IRA overview page.
—
Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026
The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on the equivalent of $3 per day, and estimates that only approximately 10% of the world’s population is in that condition.
—Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
When choosing a lens setup, look for wide-angle options to capture sweeping landscapes — the kind of vast, dramatic scenery that often defines the most memorable on-screen moments.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
For more on how the IRS defines Roth IRAs, visit the IRS Roth IRA overview page.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Across all nine episodes, Malone’s soundtrack threads together the romance, friction, and tragedy that defines the story of one of the 1990s’ most talked-about couples.
—Riann Phillip, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
That foundation becomes the constraint that defines what can be scaled and what cannot.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
That tension between speed and proof defines this moment.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
That's the process that defines what a main-sequence star is.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026
The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on the equivalent of $3 per day, and estimates that only approximately 10% of the world’s population is in that condition.
—Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
When choosing a lens setup, look for wide-angle options to capture sweeping landscapes — the kind of vast, dramatic scenery that often defines the most memorable on-screen moments.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
For more on how the IRS defines Roth IRAs, visit the IRS Roth IRA overview page.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Across all nine episodes, Malone’s soundtrack threads together the romance, friction, and tragedy that defines the story of one of the 1990s’ most talked-about couples.
—Riann Phillip, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
That foundation becomes the constraint that defines what can be scaled and what cannot.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
That tension between speed and proof defines this moment.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
That's the process that defines what a main-sequence star is.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defines
Verb
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The Wall Dancers traces how freedom and state control evolved online — a dynamic that may influence the artificial intelligence race.—
Timothy McLaughlin,
Bloomberg,
20 Mar. 2026
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The former Uchiko and Counter 357 chef pivoted his career away from fine dining to focus on modern African American cooking with his Distant Relatives, a smoke shack and grill that traces the foodways of the African diaspora.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Gonzalez describes him as serious, pensive, charming and easy to like.—
Vanessa Murdock,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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That plan describes a roadway overmatched by the Treasure Valley’s western spread — what was essentially a rural highway to market now swallowed by cities.—
Mark Dee
March 17,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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From the Cold War to the hostage crisis, Matin-Asgari characterizes the countries’ long relationship as a matrix of intrigue and influence.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
6 Mar. 2026
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The tech entrepreneur, who founded a fitness app and a financial management platform catering to young and wealthy customers, also characterizes Khanna’s stock trading as hypocritical since the congressman campaigns on easing inequality.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The plan specifies more than 100 actions for the city to take to reach its goal of zero traffic deaths by 2037 – 15 years after Vision Zero's 2022 start in Milwaukee.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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And the amendment specifies that the bill would only apply to convictions that occur beginning July 1, 2026.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The new rule outlines exempt transactions and also lists the order of priority of who the reporting person shall be.—
Howard Dakoff,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Here Baum outlines her top care tips for keeping your lawn in top shape all season long.—
Patricia Shannon,
The Spruce,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Through his personal story, the film portrays with honesty and strength the process through which a person redefines his life, identity and boundaries after a profound overturn of events, reminding us that the real strength often lies beneath the surface.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
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As Andrew hires a lawyer (Denzel Washington) to sue his former employer for discrimination, Hanks movingly portrays a man fighting for his life in a society that fears and loathes him.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The projection of Earth’s equator delineates the celestial equator, and the poles project onto the north and south celestial poles.—
Vahe Peroomian,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2026
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One path forward would be serious discussion of a modern city charter that more clearly delineates executive and legislative roles.—
Sara Albrecht,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Noah’s technical ability on snare drum is leaps and bounds ahead of other students his age, and his consistently excellent drumming anchors our drumline’s sound.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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Over six feet tall and skinny, with a mass of reddish curls, Fleming leaps and bounds across stage while delivering riffs on the bitmoji skills of baby boomers, ballads dedicated to deceased chain craft store Joann’s Fabrics, and Celine Dion’s gamer sons.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defines. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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