definition

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce definition (audio)
Definition of definitionnext
as in description
a vivid representation in words of someone or something he gave us his definition of the perfect romantic evening on the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 definition The Federal Aviation Administration told CBS News the vehicle doesn't meet the agency's definition of an aircraft. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 More of it shifts toward problem definition, architecture, system context and validation. — Luis Aburto, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The season-opening performance will be broadcast live in high definition, free of charge, at Steinmetz Park in Hacienda Heights and at the Santa Monica Pier. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Li considers how her characters define failure and success, and how these definitions affect John and Adelaide, neither of whom achieve fame. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definition
  1. description
  2. portrait
  3. depiction
  4. portrayal
Noun
  • There’s a lot of character packed into that description — a complicated combination of ego, insecurity, cynicism, and self-justification.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But that description barely scratches the surface, Chris Joyner reports.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of description
Noun
  • The work, known as the Tondo of the Two Brothers, dates back to the 2nd century and belongs to a group of paintings known as the Fayum portraits.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Filmmaker Ava DuVernay chose Milton Rogovin’s informal, untitled portrait of a beautiful young Buffalo woman from his East Side, 1961-63 collection.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • Chen initially resisted the rainbow-like chromatic aberration familiar from other screen depictions of superpowers.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The painting will be displayed alongside an ancient relief borrowed from the National Roman Museum, reportedly introduced to Rembrandt through a reproduction, that inspired his depiction of Bathsheba attended to by a footmaid.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • At 934 pages long, the book inspired the Hollywood film Pollock (2000), for which Marcia Gay Harden won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Krasner.
    — John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The result is a look at the diversity of the country in contrast with official Soviet portrayals and productions from the same era.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of portrayal

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definiteness
definition
definitions
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Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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