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

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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

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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 Ly emphasizes that recurrence in identical locations is one of the most defining features. —

Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026 Making a living in independent film is a defining tenet for the duo. —

Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026 To Brown, however, Anunoby’s defining trait is his willingness to sacrifice. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026 The defining gesture of the exhibition, the circle, operates as both formal constraint and conceptual device. —

Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026 Rhode is a celebrity brand, yes—Bieber is the progeny of the Baldwins (daughter of Stephen, niece of Alec), the wife of a generation-defining pop star, a model, and a powerful influencer. —

Lucy Feldman, Time, 6 May 2026 In an interview, Spiridigliozzi said Roman’s defining characteristic is his warmth. —

Matthew Kelly may 5, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2026 Border plants give your garden a more finished look by defining a space and adding another layer of color and beauty to your landscape. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 May 2026 The soft, sunny color is the perfect hue to transition into the warmer months, and Kristi Patterson, founder and principal designer at Grace Hill Design, says yellow is emerging as the defining color of the season. —

Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defining

Verb

At the state dinner on Tuesday evening, the King reaffirmed the deep bonds between the US and UK, tracing their roots to World War II.

— Max Foster, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
This tool pinpoints the ancient latitude of any modern location, tracing its journey back to the peak of the supercontinent Pangaea.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026