1
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
2
as in describing
to mark the limits of
the river defines the town on the south
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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
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Recent Examples of defining
The Impact of 'Bluey' There's no doubt that Bluey is one of those shows that's defining our current era.
—
De Elizabeth, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025
The company has positioned itself to revive theatrical Hindi-language cinema through genre-defining storytelling.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
And with projects like Beijing’s twin 725-foot CP Towers, as well as the 60-story Magnolias Ratchadamri and the Waldorf Astoria Tower in Bangkok, Jordan has played an important role in defining the skylines of global cities with smart, sustainable architectural solutions.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Associated Press Democrats Grapple with Age Issue Former Democratic President Joe Biden's age was a defining issue of his presidency, with critics questioning whether the 81-year-old could sustain the demands of another term.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Start by defining your 'why'—the underlying purpose and objectives.
—Harini Gokul, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
This year’s ceremony promises unforgettable moments, celebrating icons who have left an indelible mark on fashion history alongside the trailblazers defining its future.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Gordon noted that heritage houses have been defining the luxury space through artisanal craftsmanship, while wellness brands thrive off of building community and lifestyle.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2025
Upon his death, country greats including Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, and Dolly Parton all heralded Jones as a defining voice of country music.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
De Elizabeth, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025
The company has positioned itself to revive theatrical Hindi-language cinema through genre-defining storytelling.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
And with projects like Beijing’s twin 725-foot CP Towers, as well as the 60-story Magnolias Ratchadamri and the Waldorf Astoria Tower in Bangkok, Jordan has played an important role in defining the skylines of global cities with smart, sustainable architectural solutions.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Associated Press Democrats Grapple with Age Issue Former Democratic President Joe Biden's age was a defining issue of his presidency, with critics questioning whether the 81-year-old could sustain the demands of another term.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Start by defining your 'why'—the underlying purpose and objectives.
—Harini Gokul, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
This year’s ceremony promises unforgettable moments, celebrating icons who have left an indelible mark on fashion history alongside the trailblazers defining its future.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Gordon noted that heritage houses have been defining the luxury space through artisanal craftsmanship, while wellness brands thrive off of building community and lifestyle.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2025
Upon his death, country greats including Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, and Dolly Parton all heralded Jones as a defining voice of country music.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defining
Verb
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The canine's owner has shared several other videos to the Instagram account that show Tini tracing the man's steps to the elevator on different days.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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Then, as evening falls, stroll along the canals or watch the sun melt into Øresund’s horizon—tracing wind turbines spinning in silhouette.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Operational Command of the Armed Forces released a statement on Wednesday morning, describing the deployment as preventive and focused on protecting Polish airspace and citizens.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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Though the terms may often be used in similar contexts and share some overlap — Hispanic and Latino possess distinct meanings and represent different ways of describing people.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And, since Congress expects workers and employers to be (cough) creative when characterizing wages as tips to avoid paying taxes on otherwise taxable income, Treasury is authorized to issue additional guidance to prevent abuse.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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By contrast, Ka’iana and his family’s landing spot with Kamehameha’s base of power in Hawaii, as well as their foes, needed to be grounded in the land, while still doing the work of characterizing the different factions.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Reimbursements fall within thresholds the company sets in advance, specifying the number of hours of bad weather that must occur to qualify and the financial compensation to which a purchaser is entitled.—
Elaine Pofeldt,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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When asked on Thursday if there are still migrants at Guantanamo, the Department of Homeland Security told CNN that there are, without specifying the number or nationalities, and said the possibility of sending more migrants remains open.—
Mauricio Torres,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Context, caveats and critical thinking must all be considered when outlining the process from start to finish.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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The report will list possible causes for autism based on a review of research, while also outlining the research that is still unknown on the subject.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The state has yet to provide any contemporary evidence of doubt that this crosswalk — on the road bounding the southern edge of the Pulse property — was a fitting part of the memorial.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
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Neither do the police, nor the Ring cameras affixed to the facades on several neighborhood homes, though at least the latter capture footage of kids bounding through their front doors, arms splayed like wings, into early morning’s opaque embrace.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In the film — her first since portraying opera diva Maria Callas in last year’s Maria — the Oscar winner, 50, stars as Maxine, an American film director hired to make a video for a Paris fashion event amid being diagnosed with breast cancer and navigating a divorce.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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The museum's mission is to tell America's story by portraying people who shaped its history and culture.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Coleman had touchdown runs of 15, 1, 9, 7 and 5 yards to ignite the outburst as Washington piled up 628 yards and 34 touchdowns while limiting the Aggies to 218 yards and 13 first downs.—
Joe Davidosn,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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On August 27, the FDA followed through with its plans to change the labels on COVID-19 vaccines, limiting access to people who are 65 and older and people who have an underlying condition that puts them at high risk of severe COVID-19.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defining. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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