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
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
Look for flattering lengths, breathable fabrics, and waist-defining details.
—
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
The last week has seen frenzy spill over for what will be an era-defining, royal-level wedding.
—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
1 July 2026
This regional divergence is one of the defining features of the modern energy system.
—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Long before the disputes that would ultimately lead to the colonies seeking their independence from England, racial slavery had become a defining feature of Virginia’s economic and social structure.
—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 June 2026
That’s the gist of a 181-page report from a team of University of California researchers that was charged with defining the factors to be resolved before such a system could be implemented.
—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
23 June 2026
District 4 Commissoner Chakira Johnson also called for more transparency in the defining and regulating process.
—
Kaley Fedko,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
However, the defining challenge of the next decade will be finding ways to advance all three together.
—
Sebastian Buckup,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
From the return of decade-defining fashion trends and toys to restaurants dishing out deeply nostalgic foods, '90s culture has seen a sweeping resurgence in 2026.
—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
The last week has seen frenzy spill over for what will be an era-defining, royal-level wedding.
—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
1 July 2026
This regional divergence is one of the defining features of the modern energy system.
—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Long before the disputes that would ultimately lead to the colonies seeking their independence from England, racial slavery had become a defining feature of Virginia’s economic and social structure.
—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 June 2026
That’s the gist of a 181-page report from a team of University of California researchers that was charged with defining the factors to be resolved before such a system could be implemented.
—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
23 June 2026
District 4 Commissoner Chakira Johnson also called for more transparency in the defining and regulating process.
—
Kaley Fedko,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
However, the defining challenge of the next decade will be finding ways to advance all three together.
—
Sebastian Buckup,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
From the return of decade-defining fashion trends and toys to restaurants dishing out deeply nostalgic foods, '90s culture has seen a sweeping resurgence in 2026.
—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defining
Verb
-
Criminals who understand digital assets already have options designed to frustrate tracing.
-
Egyptian star Mona Zaki plays singer Umm Kulthum in the picture tracing the singer’s remarkable journey from a small village in Egypt’s Nile Delta to becoming the most celebrated voice in the Arab world.
Verb
-
Iran’s semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) wrote about the 1989 funeral earlier this week, describing how the enormous crowds exceeded the numbers expected by authorities.
-
Furthermore, Bavarian state lawmaker Bernhard Pohl also welcomed the move, describing it as a long-term guarantee for the future of the Kaufbeuren location and its role within Germany’s expanding missile defense network.
Verb
-
White added some thoughts about focusing in on people, characterizing what often happens in collaborations.
-
Supporters of the high-earner tax for public education have been quick to stress it’s been in place for more than a decade, characterizing any rollback of it as a tax cut for the wealthy.
Verb
-
However, Polestar will continue supporting US drivers of its EVs without specifying for how long.
-
On June 11, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement specifying that Mexican authorities had not contacted them about the tip or the search efforts, but saying the investigation was still ongoing.
Verb
-
The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
-
While outlining his five-year military goals at February’s Workers’ Party congress, Kim also called for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of underwater launches.
Verb
-
Marie Marseille’s 100-pound dog, Jameson, a shaggy golden Saint Berdoodle, was killed on June 13 by an LAPD officer while bounding out of Marseille’s Canoga Park apartment.
-
But Adams is bounding around the rooftop beaming, teeth porcelain-white, face slathered in makeup, hair firmly coiffed.
Verb
-
Rather than acknowledging the reckless play that earned her suspension, Thomas immediately shifted the focus to herself, portraying her punishment, rather than the hit on Clark, as the real injustice.
-
Jaafar spoke about portraying the King of Pop, who’s also his uncle, in the film.
Verb
-
Kohl said venues and vendors that regularly work with celebrities are accustomed to strict nondisclosure agreements and limiting information to only those who need to know, reducing the risk of details leaking before an event.
-
Backers like the California Chamber of Commerce say those changes would expedite public projects, though environmental groups warn of the environmental consequences of limiting CEQA’s oversight of new infrastructure.
Cite this Entry
“Defining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defining. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
