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

People in search of healthcare do not care which national story others wish to project onto a molecule, device, or platform, which regulatory philosophy defines it, or which flag stands behind a laboratory. — Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026

The memo, which was circulated internally in September and posted to the company's website on Tuesday, revises how the company defines the role of software development engineers and managers in the age of AI. — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

There have been at least 383 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. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

The strategy defines six goals that are intended to address each of the challenges alongside corresponding objectives to guide NASA’s achievements of the goals. — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026

The property defines contemporary cozy with rooms decorated with natural hues, custom wood, and leather furnishings. — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

An all-red treatment defines the Cloudmonster, with a bright hue carrying through the upper and sole unit and darker shades used for the branding. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Yes, the pre-dinner ritual still defines much of the city’s social culture, but the bar scene in Milan has evolved significantly over the past few years, thanks to a brigade of hospitality-minded, boundary-pushing talent. — Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

The Mayo Clinic defines a vasovagal episode as a common, temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026