1
as in to trace
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
3
as in to characterize
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 to specify
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 define
Every statistic that emerges about the Indiana Pacers seems more remarkable than the last, their string of clutch comebacks defining the 2025 playoffs while defying logic, history and physics.
—
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
The downtown landmark, five stories tall and made of brick, defined Marysville’s modest skyline for nearly a century.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Clean lines, classic shapes and unexpected edges define Jade Ruzzo jewels.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
This was bricolage in the mode of postmodernism, to use a term that Jencks had a leading role in propagating, defining it in multiple competing and overlapping (some would say maddening) ways.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
The downtown landmark, five stories tall and made of brick, defined Marysville’s modest skyline for nearly a century.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Clean lines, classic shapes and unexpected edges define Jade Ruzzo jewels.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
This was bricolage in the mode of postmodernism, to use a term that Jencks had a leading role in propagating, defining it in multiple competing and overlapping (some would say maddening) ways.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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This example also shows how the wheel’s evolution, much like its iconic shape, traces a circuitous path – one with no clear beginning, no end, and countless quiet revolutions along the way.—
Kai James,
The Conversation,
11 June 2025
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The latter split into at least three sub-lineages whose movements have been traced in South America, but scientists have not yet ascertained when the first people would have moved from Central America to South America.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Hatfield did not say whether San Diego Pride had changed Kehlani’s contract as Gloria described.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
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And that's just the juiciest of the various cases described in a new paper published in the journal Criminal Law Forum.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Following deep sleep, REM sleep is the next critical phase of sleep cycles, characterized by more dreaming that’s also extra vivid and lifelike, and by faster heart rate and breathing.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
8 June 2025
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Kirn characterized the foreword as a kind of ideological overreach.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Verb
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The department did not specify exactly how many people were in custody as of Friday afternoon.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
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Musk did not specify the context in which Trump is allegedly in the files.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The affidavit also outlines Travis’ behavior in the moments leading up to the killings.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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The refurbishment included repairing and refinishing the wood flooring, painting the walls, outlining the court in Mavs blue and adding a Mavs logo, new goals and backboards, and new basketball equipment.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Aurélien Colson, from the same institute, told Newsweek that Putin's response will be primarily military, but his options are limited to missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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This means looking at one’s own limiting beliefs, outdated patterns and negative thoughts.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
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In their sentencing papers, Madigan’s team has portrayed the former speaker as a stalwart defender of Illinois taxpayers against greedy utilities like ComEd, despite efforts to get some of his close associates work with the utility.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
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The non-Cuomo alternative candidates have sometimes portrayed Mamdani as green and unrealistic.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Still, the Los Angeles Police Department has delineated an area of unlawful assembly in downtown LA that is still in effect.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2025
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Start by creating a strategic plan, building a strong board, delineating clear financial and fundraising processes, and measuring and evaluating your success in meeting your mission.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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