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

Here’s what defines it, and where to find it around metro Atlanta. — Su-Jit Lin, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Last but not least, Question 3 asks voters whether to change how the state defines its congressional districts, paving the way for redistricting in the coming years. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

That complaint was settled for an undisclosed figure, in large part because the Porsche didn’t violate the building code, which defines the maximum vibration allowed during construction. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

There’s arguably no other model in history that visually defines the sports car in its most minimal and masterful form than Carroll Shelby’s original Cobra, debuted in 1962. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026

Mejia demanded the information, much of which was also requested by The Times, as required in the 2021 contract that defines the working relationship between LA28 and the host city of the 2028 games. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

The city defines heritage trees as native to North Carolina and at least 30 inches in diameter. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026

Perseverance is a characteristic that defines the WNBA itself. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026

This seasonal pastoral journey, known as transhumance, defines a semi-nomadic way of life that is rapidly disappearing. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026