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
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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
Created by Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe, The Chi premiered in 2018 and quickly became a defining work in contemporary television, weaving together the lives of Chicago residents in a unique way.
—
Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
There’s often a very clear defining line between the teams that have it and the teams that don’t.
—The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The trailer itself features footage from some of his most defining releases, including The Departed, Raging Bull, The Aviator, Wolf of Wall Street, New York, New York, and more.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
The restricted technologies cover a large swathe of future-defining industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced robotics, and equipment needed to produce them.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
This past May, Garth and her daughter Fiona spoke about everything from their favorite outfits to defining inner beauty while on set for PEOPLE's World's Most Beautiful issue.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Amanda Seyfried stars as Lee in a career-defining role.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
These negative ads are defining this candidate.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Regarding Carr’s comments about news distortion, the FCC also has a policy defining the scope of that regulation.
—Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025
Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
There’s often a very clear defining line between the teams that have it and the teams that don’t.
—The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The trailer itself features footage from some of his most defining releases, including The Departed, Raging Bull, The Aviator, Wolf of Wall Street, New York, New York, and more.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
The restricted technologies cover a large swathe of future-defining industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced robotics, and equipment needed to produce them.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
This past May, Garth and her daughter Fiona spoke about everything from their favorite outfits to defining inner beauty while on set for PEOPLE's World's Most Beautiful issue.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Amanda Seyfried stars as Lee in a career-defining role.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
These negative ads are defining this candidate.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Regarding Carr’s comments about news distortion, the FCC also has a policy defining the scope of that regulation.
—Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defining
Verb
-
These changes coincide with Continuum, a retrospective exhibition tracing two decades of history through archival materials, fine artworks, and program milestones.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Generally, Antifa describes those in opposition to fascism and far-right neo-Nazi ideologies, tracing their roots to 20th-century resistance movements in Europe.—
Richard Hall,
Time,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Showrunner, Luke Matheny was on a similar wavelength when describing his thoughts about taking on the project.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
1 Oct. 2025
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Although her music is bright and confident, what McRae is describing is an inner world shaped by darkness.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Abarca says complaints overblown Abarca, at the time, welcomed the investigation, characterizing the complaints as overblown.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
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Following Kirk's killing, Jezebel removed the original article, issuing a statement characterizing it as humor and reiterating that the publication condoned neither physical harm nor political violence.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Approximately 50 soldiers guarding the vehicles attempted to repel the attackers, presidential spokesperson Carolina Jaramillo said, without specifying whether anyone was injured.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
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Instead, Mason suggests specifying the purpose and time frame of your request.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration has not yet compiled a fiscal impact report or memo outlining the impact of federal budget cuts on Tennessee.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
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Each agency maintains its own shutdown plan, outlining which staff remain on duty.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Chip, the 3-year-old miniature dachshund, was filmed bounding toward the open door but immediately reconsidering after inspecting the dreary conditions outside his home in England.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
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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
Verb
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In 2010—back when the same Republican Party that now flags the dangers of food dyes and seed oils was portraying Let’s Move!—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The White House has also continued to troll House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with AI videos portraying Jeffries in a sombrero and fake mustache.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The federal government argued that the lower courts were circumventing the power of the justices and improperly limiting the authority of the Department of Homeland Security.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 2025
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Parents also have robust tools at their fingertips, from limiting usage to monitoring interactions.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defining. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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