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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defines
The fine-structure constant, known as the Sommerfeld or alpha, is a dimensionless physical constant that defines how light interacts with matter.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Jackson Hole, Wyoming A rugged and untamed spirit defines Jackson Hole, a resort that has long earned its reputation as a mecca for expert skiers.
—Charles Curkin, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
That energy defines the 2025 lineup.
—Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
One where technology quietly supports independence, rather than defines it.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Nearly 80 years later, that same philosophy of keeping things simple still defines the restaurant’s approach.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
The National Weather Service defines a freeze as when air temperatures are 32 degrees or below.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
In your view, what defines true value — and the kind of elegance that deepens with time?
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
City code defines that as the period of time beginning 30 minutes after dusk and ending 30 minutes prior to sunrise.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Jackson Hole, Wyoming A rugged and untamed spirit defines Jackson Hole, a resort that has long earned its reputation as a mecca for expert skiers.
—Charles Curkin, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
That energy defines the 2025 lineup.
—Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
One where technology quietly supports independence, rather than defines it.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Nearly 80 years later, that same philosophy of keeping things simple still defines the restaurant’s approach.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
The National Weather Service defines a freeze as when air temperatures are 32 degrees or below.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
In your view, what defines true value — and the kind of elegance that deepens with time?
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
City code defines that as the period of time beginning 30 minutes after dusk and ending 30 minutes prior to sunrise.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defines
Verb
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The Mineral Belt Trail traces old mining routes and railroad beds, passing historic sites, rivers, and wetlands.—
Karthika Gupta,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Oct. 2025
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The problem traces back to Ghana and the Ivory Coast, which together produce 60% of the world’s cocoa and have been slammed by poor harvests due to climate change.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In the book, Birger describes the house’s history as guiding its future.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
28 Oct. 2025
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Intensity, on the other hand, describes the level of ground shaking at various locations and can vary depending on distance from the epicenter and local geological conditions.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Protest organizers have trained thousands in de-escalation techniques and have promised the day will be safe, even as political rhetoric characterizes demonstrators as being aligned with terrorist forces.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
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The White House regularly characterizes undocumented immigrants as drivers of urban lawlessness, even though the data show that is not true.—
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The bill also specifies that if an AI causes harm, the human owners or developers would be responsible.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
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The dress code also specifies the type of shoes to be worn and forbids facial tattoos or more than one facial piercing.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This announcement follows the recent launch of CSB’s Vision, which outlines the organization’s ambition to evolve into an integrated soccer hub in Canada.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
24 Oct. 2025
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The lawsuit outlines all the medical prescriptions Lau provided to all 21 minors.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Greenfield, who portrays Dave Johnson, shares two children with his wife Tess Sanchez.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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Natalie Wood portrays Lucy's daughter, Anna, and the actress shot to stardom later that same year by appearing in Miracle on 34th Street.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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There’s a wealth of seating options to take in the views or cozy up by the double-sided fireplace that delineates the living and dining rooms.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
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The 323-foot fly ball came down and hit the pole on the black line that delineates between a ball being out of the park or in play.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As my guide Nicolas Jeanroy preps his truffle gear, which looks like a collection of garden tools, his canine partner, Taïga, bounds up.—
Aislyn Greene,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
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And speaking of guest stars doing all of the trio’s investigative work for them, Richard Kind then bounds into the room (as Richard Kinds are wont to do) with a huge development of his own.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defines. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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