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

For a softer effect, a liner that closely matches the lip itself defines the edges without creating a visible outline. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

MyLA311 defines these as public trash cans located in the public right-of-way, typically near street corners with red curbs or at bus stops. — Hanna Kang, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

If the atom was originally in its lowest possible energy state, the new arrival immediately defines a new set of energy levels, like a fire-escape ladder that suddenly descends. — George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

Wear your UConn colors for a celebration of the tradition, pride and passion that defines UConn Basketball. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026

HeadCount defines actions as things such as checking voter registration status, signing up for election alerts, or signing up to volunteer with the organization. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026

There have been at least 393 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, 1 Nov. 2026

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