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
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Recent Examples of define
Changeable tastes and desires define your next four months.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 7 July 2025
Her driving midfield runs will define Sweden’s play this summer.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
What most defines Price’s writing is his dialogue—a precise and comic urban argot that lends his work a credible feeling of immersion and translates well from the page to the screen.
—Kevin Lozano, New Yorker, 6 July 2025
Paul Guerlain, the grandson of Jean-Paul Guerlain, although not affiliated with the Guerlain brand, represents the next generation committed to upholding the values that have defined the maison for centuries.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Usa Today, USA Today, 7 July 2025
Her driving midfield runs will define Sweden’s play this summer.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
What most defines Price’s writing is his dialogue—a precise and comic urban argot that lends his work a credible feeling of immersion and translates well from the page to the screen.
—Kevin Lozano, New Yorker, 6 July 2025
Paul Guerlain, the grandson of Jean-Paul Guerlain, although not affiliated with the Guerlain brand, represents the next generation committed to upholding the values that have defined the maison for centuries.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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The Library of Michigan traces it to the Ojibwe word Washtenong, meaning Grand River, farther district or land beyond, according to Michigan State University.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
7 July 2025
-
While the first official Ranger battalion was formed in 1942, the Rangers trace their lineage back to at least the 1750s.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Strickland described the demand to CNBC as being through the roof.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
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These are some of the ways people have described their experience.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
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This group is characterized by high beta (median 1.6), fast growth (median 53% Q1 EPS growth), and strong earnings surprises (median 20% Q1 EPS beat).—
Randy Watts,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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Massively popular in 2005, the company's original model—characterized by its point-counting system and group meetings—drew in millions of members around the world.—
Katherine Fung,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The policy specifies that the improvements in part will help contribute to and enhance downtown real estate and expand the local tax base as well as the employment base.—
Linda Girardi,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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The post did not specify which type of aircraft were involved.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Israel Brigs, another panelist, outlined what’s at stake: loss of contract eligibility, revenue, and prime contractor status.—
Heather Wishart-Smith,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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The county has outlined terms for a new lease agreement that would be for 11 years, including the 2025 season, with options for five two-year extensions.—
Erin Glynn,
The Enquirer,
7 July 2025
Verb
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For younger professionals, making the wrong move while trying to build connections can stall growth, limit visibility and even damage their reputation.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Marginally productive grazing is better than mechanical mowers but limits the future potential of agricultural activities.—
Kip Kolesinskas,
Hartford Courant,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The latter has portrayed The Waitress — the object of Day's character Charlie Kelly's obsessive, unrequited love — in 37 episodes across 16 seasons of the long-running FX series.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
6 July 2025
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Kenneth Colley, the British actor who appeared in seven features for director Ken Russell and portrayed the Darth Vader underling Admiral Piett in the Star Wars films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has died.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Wide sections of whimsical, floral wallpaper delineate each room.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2025
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Police tape wrapped around government vehicles delineating an off-limits zone where dozens of federal agents congregated.—
Pedro Rios,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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