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

Bluey resonates with parents and children of the world due to the heart and the humor at the show's core, something Brumm says defines Brisbane. — Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026

As one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Texas, Crowley ISD is committed to advancing the tradition of excellence that defines Crowley High School athletics. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026

From unboxings and gifting moments to dressing rituals and styling challenges, the campaign underscores Jung Kook’s style and the confidence that defines it. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency that manages the radio spectrum and defines what counts as a HAPS, places these platforms 20 to 50 km (12 to 31 miles) up. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

The election results strike at the heart of the decades-long questions about how Israel defines itself and the role of Palestinian Arabs in its society. — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026

The play that perhaps defines the Broncos’ pass rush in the first half of the 2026 season is far from the glossiest. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026

The executive who owns payment operations, not the assessor, approves those operating conditions, names an officer who can suspend the agent and defines what triggers reassessment. — Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

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