Synonyms of describe

describe

verb

di-ˈskrīb 

1

as in to depict

to give a representation or account of in words

he tried to describe the dream he had last night as accurately as he could

Synonyms & Similar Words

• depict
• portray
• characterize
• illustrate
• define
• render
• paint
• summarize
• set out
• recount
• delineate
• represent
• tell
• outline
• picture
• relate
• sketch
• draw
• demonstrate
• image
• suggest
• show
• narrate
• limn
• display
• report
• qualify
• recite
• exhibit
• label
• trace
• hint
• rehearse
• redescribe
• sum up
• draft
• touch off
• vignette
• silhouette
• reimage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distort
• misrepresent
• falsify
• color
• twist
• misstate
• pervert
• warp
• misdescribe
• garble

2

as in to tell

to give an oral or written account of in some detail

a biography of Washington that describes the decisive Battle of Yorktown at great length

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tell
• relate
• recount
• narrate
• chronicle
• report
• set forth
• depict
• detail
• recite
• chart
• rehearse
• voice
• state
• reveal
• express
• disclose
• utter
• enumerate
• divulge
• itemize
• deliver
• give
• expose
• particularize
• delineate
• render
• reel off
• bare
• sketch
• let on (about)

3

as in to characterize

to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group

how would you describe the Inupiat people you encountered in Alaska?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• characterize
• define
• portray
• depict
• represent
• identify
• character
• classify
• categorize
• indicate
• specify
• type
• pigeonhole
• distinguish
• mark
• name
• individualize
• particularize
• stamp
• color

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of describe

Deputies arrived within minutes and took a suspect, described as a man in his 20s, into custody. — Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Authorities open a criminal investigation into the collapse of multiple tunnels at the Zamboye site, as workers describe chaotic, dangerous rescue efforts and Red Cross teams warn the toll will rise. — Jean Fernand Koena, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Republicans say the inquiry is intended to determine whether foreign money or fraudulent donations have entered federal campaigns and whether ActBlue accurately described its safeguards to Congress. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026

Lindsey, who dated Watts for roughly three years and requested anonymity, described their relationship as emotionally and psychologically abusive. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026