define

verb

di-ˈfīn How to pronounce define (audio)
Definition of definenext
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
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 But the biggest legacy Parton leaves is her songwriting, and three songs define her more than any others. — Wendy Hargreaves, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 The look also pulls from indie sleaze, which Trendalytics reports is up 80% in social buzz, reinforcing the messy, early-2000s finish that defines the trend. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Cohere this week released an IDC study of executives in four countries, which shows that most believe that AI sovereignty is important, but few can define it or have a firm plan for achieving it. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The difference between now and the past decade-plus of her career is that Larsson has a defining brand with a clear presence in pop culture — and more people paying attention to her than ever before. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
  1. trace
  2. describe
  3. characterize
  4. specify
  5. outline
  6. limit
  7. portray
  8. delineate
Verb
  • Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which traces its roots to 1954, involved around 18,000 Korean troops and an undisclosed number of American soldiers this year.
    — Lisa Kim, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wednesday’s State Department announcement also traced the collective to leftist groups across Europe that posted materials about their attacks on rail and energy infrastructure.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of trace
Verb
  • Anton, whose gaze at the couple can only be described as wistful.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • For the first time, Fed officials described the demand generated by AI infrastructure buildouts as something that could continue to drive up prices for tech products and electricity—thereby pushing up inflation.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of describe
Verb
  • Phoenix characterized the chips, established the programming approach, and verified the resulting devices before delivery.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Blanche and the president have characterized those cases as politically motivated.
    — Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • The suit does not specify how much of the $4 million worth of gas went to Freedom Fuel stations or indicate whether the stations have a relationship with KRSM or Kazmi.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of sending vague meeting invites, specify the topic so employees do not default to anxiety.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Together, the index and margin determine your new interest rate, subject to the limits outlined in your loan agreement.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The rewards Gates, ever the optimist, also outlines some major boons the technology holds.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of outline
Verb
  • The Village Board voted to limit information collected from the cameras to be shared within Illinois only and retain data for only seven days, according to its agreement with the sheriff’s office.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Hunters will have a chance to kill more bears this year than last, but the number of bears that can be taken are still limited by region.
    — Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of limit
Verb
  • By this reasoning, federal agencies must be allowed to complete rulemaking before judges intervene, and challenges to the order are portrayed as speculative attempts to stop reforms that could be crafted within constitutional limits.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Following his success on M*A*S*H, Alda continued playing a TV doctor on ER in 1999 and six episodes of The Big C, as well as portraying a psychiatrist on Ray Donovan.
    — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of portray
Verb
  • For example, the Commonwealth has never delineated the exact interval of time between Patrick leaving the home and Clancy falling out the window.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Affordable concrete pavers from the hardware store and gravel delineate the area.
    — Stephen Orr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Definition of delineate

Browse Nearby Words

definable
define
defined
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Cite this Entry

“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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