1
as in traces
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
Relevance
2
as in describes
to mark the limits of
the river defines the town on the south
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in characterizes
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 specifies
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
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 defines
The villas were restored and updated, Conrad Orlando was introduced as the luxury hotel anchor, and Evermore Bay (the lagoon beach that now defines the property) was built from scratch.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
These portraits are not only about style, but about perspective, identity, and the confidence that defines the Misela individual.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
What truly defines the destination is balance.
—Nick Scott, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
The Quantum Threat Timeline Report defines a cryptographically relevant computer as one that could, for example, break RSA encryption in 24 hours.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
This filtering capacity not only reflects judgment, but now defines resilience as a competitive differentiator.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Advertisement This decision also defines the purpose of the entire mission.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
The company’s growth across three markets reflects a model that scales without losing the responsiveness that defines the client experience at the firm level.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 11 May 2026
This matriarchal practice defines Tunisia’s food culture.
—Boutheina Ben Salem, Vogue, 8 May 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
These portraits are not only about style, but about perspective, identity, and the confidence that defines the Misela individual.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
What truly defines the destination is balance.
—Nick Scott, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
The Quantum Threat Timeline Report defines a cryptographically relevant computer as one that could, for example, break RSA encryption in 24 hours.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
This filtering capacity not only reflects judgment, but now defines resilience as a competitive differentiator.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Advertisement This decision also defines the purpose of the entire mission.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026
The company’s growth across three markets reflects a model that scales without losing the responsiveness that defines the client experience at the firm level.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 11 May 2026
This matriarchal practice defines Tunisia’s food culture.
—Boutheina Ben Salem, Vogue, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defines
Verb
-
Benjamin Fanjoy / Getty Images The idea that people are entitled to be judged by a jury of their peers traces back to the Magna Carta of 1215, although the definition of peer has changed over time.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
-
Earlier on in the episode, Griffin finds a gun in his late dad's storage unit and traces it to match a gun that killed someone in an off-duty shooting.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
In an interview with the website Public Parking, the writer Lucy Ives describes ad-libbing a writing exercise to kill an awkward classroom silence.—
David O’Neill,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
-
Crain describes the situation as a broader pattern, arguing that the city has favored new development over maintaining historic and cultural sites.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
In the past couple of decades, however, Czernowin has deëmphasized the frantic gesturing that characterizes so much latter-day modernism.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Wilson’s approach to public life clearly has an element of what professional wrestlers call kayfabe—the winking, performative trollishness that now characterizes the online right.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The law specifies the restrictions that, if respected, render an expenditure independent.—
Lawrence Lessig,
Time,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The commission also specifies that these tools must be made available free of charge.—
Robert Pearlman,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Arizona, California, North Carolina, Kentucky and Nevada are among the states that joined the lawsuit, which focuses on a rule that essentially outlines an exemption to the limits.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
19 May 2026
-
The draft policy also outlines rules that would apply.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
In contrast to the article’s portrait of a formless contest, recent polling portrays a race that is becoming more structured.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
-
Potts — who portrays Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy's infamous Meemaw — has been married to director and producer James Hayman since 1990 after having met on the set of the 1992 film Breaking the Rules.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
His fluid camera, observational without being intrusive, expertly delineates the safe space of Layla’s courtyard, shifting registers as things get darker until near the end, when jumbled night reinforces the tense uncertainty.—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
Wood, specifically Canaletto walnut, delineates many of these elements and unifies the apartment from entrance to end.—
Ludovica Stevan,
Architectural Digest,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sister typically bounds around on their walks, but Bowen said the tiny dog kept sitting still on the road.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
-
As Sac State bounds into the 2026 season as a first-time member of the FBS in the Mid-American Conference, Carter said his squad will not lack in effort.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defines. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
