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

Anna’s guess comes closest, and Ify’s is furthest, which Sam punctuates via the first instance of the song that defines this episode. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Each institution defines direct deposit differently, but paychecks, pension payments and government benefits are all typically accepted. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 14 July 2026

This line defines Aldo as someone who sees himself as an active observer of both his own life and the world around him. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 July 2026

Based on input from 12 experts in robotics, human-computer interaction and design, the framework defines ten key dimensions covering mobility, communication, physical design, movement, human interaction, relationship roles, and levels of autonomy. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Comedian triggered a debate over value, authorship and what defines an artwork when it was first unveiled at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026

But great sound for under a grand isn’t all that defines this category. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

If software becomes easier to generate, the value shifts away from the software artifact itself and toward the specification that defines what the software is supposed to accomplish. — Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

United defines a window seat to mean a location relative to the aisle and not a literal seat next to a window, according to the court filing. — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 7 July 2026