define

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

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2
as in to describe
to mark the limits of the river defines the town on the south

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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

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4

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 Wall Street defines a correction as a drop of 10% from a recent high. Yun Li, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 As usual, there are trendy bikinis and swimsuits that always ask for space in our closet, little tops meant to save us from the rising temperatures, and the kind of light floral dresses and skirts that define the season. Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025 The original music video is basically a love letter to the sandwich itself, packed with shoutouts to favorite bodegas, playful debates over prices, and the kind of everyday moments that define a New York morning. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 The lid remains fixed and firm, and Marion’s enthusiasm and zest to achieve has also defined the program in short order. Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
  • What To Know Authorities traced the funds to three cryptocurrency wallet addresses, after the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio filed a civil forfeiture complaint in February highlighting the scam.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The film traces the mothers’ effort leading up to the school’s 2023 opening.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Some of your co-stars have described treacherous filming conditions in Thailand.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Prosecutors say that Acosta's murder 'can only be described as horrific' and say that Tanzi doesn't deserve mercy.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cold Creek was planted in the 1970s and exists as one of the state’s oldest vineyards; its fruit is characterized by ripe fruit intensity which the winery balances by picking the grapes over a four week period to showcase varying sweetness levels for a complex palate in flavor and structure.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • While central New South Wales is now characterized by plains and plateaus, during the Miocene, the region was surrounded by lush rainforests, according to the study.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, some of the guidelines outlined in the iPLEDGE program were previously overly strict, confusing and non-inclusive.
    Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • These handouts reportedly outlined how individuals using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) could be eligible for the Child Tax Credit.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This in turn limits what can be demanded of and from you.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Premier League clubs voted in December 2023 to limit transfer fee amortisation to five years, though the limit was not backdated.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During her time in WWE, Barbie Blank portrayed Kelly Kelly.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Related Articles The Newfound Fervor for Indigenous Art Masks Thorny Questions MoMA Made a Solid Choice for Its Next Director, But Not an Inspiring One One segment portrays a church set ablaze, with Sámi protesters holding wooden spears at a group of Norwegian settlers in retreat.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This expansive novel delineates the multigenerational fallout from a young bride’s impulsive decision to leave her new husband for his best friend.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Pay special attention to the way the architectural details guide you through the rooms—ceiling lines delineate spaces for lounging and function, and the narrow, sliced windows in the bedroom and living spaces frame painting-like views of the landscape.
    Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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