Thesaurus results for DEFINING

defining

verb

present participle of define

as in tracing

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

Relevance

as in describing

to mark the limits of the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in characterizing

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

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as in specifying

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of defining That was the defining feature of the immediate aftermath of one of the most iconic basketball wins ever. —

Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 11 June 2026 And edged to the north by the Great Lakes, is a now defining coastal culture with a history that drove industrial innovation, military security and trade. —

Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026 By the end of the meeting, two defining figures of their era had shared a rare moment away from the spotlight. —

Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 The story reflects a defining era when America’s space program became a symbol of ambition and innovation for the world. —

Time, 10 June 2026 What resonated with me was the emotion and possibility behind that phrase, but without defining exactly what the bridal experience should look or feel like. —

Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 10 June 2026 The bill as passed focused exclusively on immigration enforcement, a topic that Republicans have treated as a defining issue between the two major political parties and one the GOP hopes will carry it to victory in November’s midterm elections. —

Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026 Its sponsor, Albert Mohler, characterized the amendment as addressing a defining issue. —

ABC News, 10 June 2026 Over the last decade, the gallery had become one of the defining examples of the mega-gallery era, expanding internationally, adding artists, opening new spaces, and building a business designed for perpetual growth. —

Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defining

Verb

The evening will feature artists and musicians tracing the evolution of the American sound––highlighting music that powerfully reflects, challenges, and celebrates the American experience, culture, and identity.

— The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026
The village of Juaben is home to the Aston Villa supporters’ group The Ghana Lions, with their fandom tracing back to a love of the club’s former Republic of Ireland international defender Paul McGrath.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 June 2026