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
This could be defining a commitment, repairing trusg or realizing someone has quietly been showing up for you all along.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Sound control has also become a defining feature.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
For a certain type of enthusiast, the early ‘90s BMW 8 Series coupe is one of the defining sports cars of that decade.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2026
The documentary focuses on the formation of Wings with his wife, Linda McCartney, and the challenges of defining a new musical identity in the 1970s.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026
Electronic Frontier Foundation, which describes itself as a nonprofit that defends digital privacy, free speech and innovation, previously said the bill is too vague in defining what counts as negligence by a social media company and could result in broad censorship.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
After working various office jobs, Adams created Dilbert in 1989, satirizing white collar work in what became one of the defining comic strips of the 1990s.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
The defining feature of this region, however, is the Mwagusi Sand River, a seasonally dry riverbed that snakes through the park.
—Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
Clearly Keery chose a stage name and kept his music and acting careers separate for a reason, so his signature song becoming synonymous with the final season of an era-defining series probably wasn’t his intention.
—Josh Glicksman, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Sound control has also become a defining feature.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
For a certain type of enthusiast, the early ‘90s BMW 8 Series coupe is one of the defining sports cars of that decade.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2026
The documentary focuses on the formation of Wings with his wife, Linda McCartney, and the challenges of defining a new musical identity in the 1970s.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026
Electronic Frontier Foundation, which describes itself as a nonprofit that defends digital privacy, free speech and innovation, previously said the bill is too vague in defining what counts as negligence by a social media company and could result in broad censorship.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
After working various office jobs, Adams created Dilbert in 1989, satirizing white collar work in what became one of the defining comic strips of the 1990s.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
The defining feature of this region, however, is the Mwagusi Sand River, a seasonally dry riverbed that snakes through the park.
—Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
Clearly Keery chose a stage name and kept his music and acting careers separate for a reason, so his signature song becoming synonymous with the final season of an era-defining series probably wasn’t his intention.
—Josh Glicksman, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defining
Verb
-
Directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the two-part documentary explores the fascinating, hilarious, and often heartbreaking life story of one of Hollywood’s most daring satirists, tracing how laughter became Brooks’ lifelong survival tool.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The newest Paul McCartney documentary takes fans on a ride of his creative rebirth in the years following the breakup of The Beatles, tracing his transition from one of the most famous musicians in the world to an artist rebuilding himself on his own terms.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
After half an hour of folksy disquisition, Petro finally got around to describing the conversation.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
15 Jan. 2026
-
But after its closure, the mall, which opened in 1974, now resembles what some are describing as a post-apocalyptic ruin.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Several former heads of the central bank have come out against the move, characterizing it as an attempt to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve, which is authorized by Congress to set monetary policy independent of the President's wishes.—
Time,
Time,
14 Jan. 2026
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The vice president, who raised his voice at times while speaking, passionately defended the ICE agent — who has since been identified as Jonathan Ross — while characterizing Good as a radical activist.—
Greta Bjornson,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Putting the murder shortlist in one person’s hands, rather than letting the shields do the work of specifying who can be killed off, is a major change that gives the Secret Traitor a ton of power without a ton of explanation for their thinking.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The guidelines include changes to alcohol recommendations, no longer specifying appropriate limits for men and women.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Bureau of Reclamation last week made public a 1,600-page behemoth of a document outlining five potential plans for managing the river after current regulations expire at the end of this year.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
-
In July and August, three draft decisions were issued by the Regulatory Authority outlining a strong PBR framework.—
Will Taylor,
Hartford Courant,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
There might be nothing more adorable than the sight of a fluffy puppy or kitten bounding around the corner to surprise its new owner.—
Terry Ward,
USA Today,
1 Dec. 2025
-
In the clip, Charlie can be seen bounding, burrowing and lounging blissfully in the winter powder while bundled up in a blue jacket.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Newsom hedges his bets by portraying the budget as a placeholder that covers little more than spending increases driven by law, inflation and caseload until more revenue data are received.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Inside, you’ll be transported to the golden age of piracy and meet actors portraying famous pirates of the past, Wallsmith said.—
Kari Barnett,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This small habit is healthier than simply limiting yourself to a low-carb diet.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Cutting down on caffeine after lunchtime, avoiding (or limiting) naps, and engaging in a relaxing bedtime routine can all aid in the process too—as will patience.—
Rebecca Fearn,
SELF,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defining. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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