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
Not all basics are equal, as true essentials are defined by versatility, quality, and frequent wear.
—
Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
In revisiting Lehmann’s story, Strager highlights that Lehmann’s legacy is one of resilience and perseverance—proof that early setbacks do not define a person and that brilliance can flourish, even later in life.
—Carol Sutton Lewis, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2026
The scientific report that informed these recommendations defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two per day for men.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
The role defined Neeley’s career, with the actor returning to the part on stage for more than 40 years, according to a Turner Classic Movies essay on the film’s history.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for define
Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
In revisiting Lehmann’s story, Strager highlights that Lehmann’s legacy is one of resilience and perseverance—proof that early setbacks do not define a person and that brilliance can flourish, even later in life.
—Carol Sutton Lewis, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2026
The scientific report that informed these recommendations defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two per day for men.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
The role defined Neeley’s career, with the actor returning to the part on stage for more than 40 years, according to a Turner Classic Movies essay on the film’s history.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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Frazer traces his love of the harmonica to 1970, when San Diego’s KPRI radio introduced him to acts such as Paul Butterfield, Canned Heat and John Mayall.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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The island’s cooperative spirit traces back to 1817.—
NPR,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Rabbi Irwin Kula, the panel’s moderator, asked the participants to describe their biggest fear or nightmare.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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In 2024, Contra Costa County investigators searched a ravine and found the ladder Matthew Muller described using to climb into a family's house weeks after the March 2015 attack on Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn.—
Lauren Clark,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Afterward, a student in the audience complained to his parents that, at the event, the deaths of Palestinian civilians had been characterized as collateral damage—a regrettable but unavoidable consequence of the battle against Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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That message, closely aligned with how Trump has characterized his own legal battles, was also front and center in Paxton’s remarks at the Ronald Reagan dinner Friday night.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The outlet did not specify what behavior led to Mills' expulsion.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
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The sheriff's office didn't specify how the teen died.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Some schools also use an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP) — a nursing document that outlines how your child’s allergy will be managed throughout the school day.—
Dr. Sonja O'Leary,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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In the high southeastern sky, look for a backward question mark that outlines the head and chest of the constellation Leo the Lion.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Social Circle doesn't have the infrastructure needed for a facility of that size, noting the town's water permit is limited to just one million gallons a day.—
Nakell Williams,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The book portrays an authoritarian near-future Russia where most entertainment and all news comes through Cameras, people wired to transmit their experiences directly from their brains to the internet.—
Stephanie Burt,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
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Fisher will portray the recurring role of Michael Jorie, a dangerous killer with a warped sense of righteousness and piety to his beliefs that fuel his involvement in a southwestern gang with a long history of violence.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Halevi added that further efforts are needed to clearly delineate crimes against the state, including what falls within that category and what does not.—
Benjamin Weinthal , Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Now, in the finished space, herringbone parquet delineates one long hall, as does a ceiling track lighting system by Wever & Ducré.—
Ludovica Stevan,
Architectural Digest,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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