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
Relevance
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
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 define
For Carbonell, three words defined his life: Purpose, principle and passion.
—
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
Perhaps no franchise defines Disney’s approach better than Pirates of the Caribbean, which traces its origins to Disneyland and Walt Disney himself, before becoming a film franchise that led to new elements being added to the original rides, namely Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
Outside of his ability to walk and speak, Pistorius in fact was able to achieve what many may define as a normal life, even getting married and having a son, as well as forming his own business focused on web design and development.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025
So, the first step is defining specific, achievable goals.
—Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
Perhaps no franchise defines Disney’s approach better than Pirates of the Caribbean, which traces its origins to Disneyland and Walt Disney himself, before becoming a film franchise that led to new elements being added to the original rides, namely Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
Outside of his ability to walk and speak, Pistorius in fact was able to achieve what many may define as a normal life, even getting married and having a son, as well as forming his own business focused on web design and development.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025
So, the first step is defining specific, achievable goals.
—Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
-
The Louvre’s debut fashion exhibit spotlights precious objects from the Byzantine era to the Second French Empire, tracing their influence on designer clothing.—
Hannah Malach,
WWD,
9 Mar. 2025
-
With that lead, investigators traced the mummy to a film production company that had purchased it in the ’60s.—
Mara Bovsun,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The report describes increases in applications, not students, so can be skewed by students applying to a greater number of colleges.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Her imagery reflects her deep connection to her Country, the term (with a capital C) used by Indigenous people in Australia to describe not just the land but the water, sky, plants, animals, and even stories, songs, and spirits connected to their area, in this case Alhalker.—
Precious Adesina,
ARTnews.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The official characterized the attacks as an opening salvo against the Houthis and sends a strong message to Iran.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
15 Mar. 2025
-
It’s characterized by new weakening in muscles previously affected by polio, as well as seemingly unaffected muscles.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Unless otherwise specified by the instructions on your liquid masking product, let the paint dry before attempting to remove the liquid masking tape.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2025
-
While none of that is specified for Medicare or Medicaid, the budget does outline that the House Energy and Commerce Committee would need to make the $880 billion in cuts over the next decade.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
At a meeting held at Southwest High School on Sept. 18, 1961, Missouri highway engineers outlined the plan — a six-lane, high-speed, limited-access highway, much of it depressed 20 feet or more below the surface.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Collective bargaining agreements between an employer and a union representing workers outlines the rights and benefits of employees such as their pay schedule and their ability to challenge demotions or terminations.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
To keep your hair off your back, experts suggest shampooing more regularly and limiting the use of hair products that may irritate the skin and trigger bacne.67 5.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
13 Mar. 2025
-
The agency is reconsidering rules that limit climate pollution from cars and power plants, regulations that limit soot and mercury in the air, and more.—
Suzanne Nuyen,
NPR,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Good American Family, released on March 19, stars Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass as Kristine and Michael Barnett, while 27-year-old Imogen Faith Reid portrays Natalia.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Rather, this musical is structured as a series of vignettes and relies on colorful images, repetitive language and whimsical movement to portray a community of dogs at work and play.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
At most institutions, the promotion and tenure process is meticulously delineated, but the influences of the individual elements in the process are not well understood.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The categories are delineated by color in terms of difficulty.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
10 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to define
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share