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
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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of define
Some airlines are taking advantage of a provision in the new Transportation Department rule that defined a significant delay as three hours for a domestic flight and six hours for an international flight.
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CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024
Expect nostalgia to define Tampa Bay weddings next year, says Anna Coats, founder and editor of Marry Me Tampa Bay.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
As Ishibashi created these deeply haunting tracks — defined by cold, almost silvery tones — Hamaguchi crafted a narrative that wrestled with the relationship between man and nature.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024
Drew McIntyre While Rhodes' year has been defined by success, Drew McIntyre's has been defined by failure.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for define 
CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024
Expect nostalgia to define Tampa Bay weddings next year, says Anna Coats, founder and editor of Marry Me Tampa Bay.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
As Ishibashi created these deeply haunting tracks — defined by cold, almost silvery tones — Hamaguchi crafted a narrative that wrestled with the relationship between man and nature.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024
Drew McIntyre While Rhodes' year has been defined by success, Drew McIntyre's has been defined by failure.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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The dunes are an imprint that hints at the forces that sculpt the seafloor, allowing scientists to trace the transport of volcanic material after it was swept into the sea.Ashley Balzer Vigil, Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2024
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Advanced investigation methods, and those utilizing artificial intelligence coming on the horizon, can trace transactions across wallets, mixers, and borders.Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Deepening the mystery, Conway, described only as a first-time author whose manuscript about a globe-trotting spy had caught the eye of director Matthew Vaughan before it was even published, was not only a character in the meta film (played by Dallas Howard) but boasted almost zero online footprint.Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024
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This involves completing a form that describes the bag, collects your contact and delivery info, etc.Roger Dooley, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Every object from Lindquist is made in their Rhode Island studio of artists and makers and is characterized by the timelessness and collaborative spirit of artisan craft.Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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Beautiful Art Deco buildings, characterized by their streamlined elegance and bold geometry, have enchanted cities worldwide for nearly a century.Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Unless specified, exact release dates are yet to be revealed.Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024
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Target did not specify when the stores would be opening when asked by USA TODAY.Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The report also outlined recommendations for healing communities wracked by the social ills wrought by the schools, for revitalizing language and cultural support, for reunifying families, for reforms in tribal community education and for steps to reduce violence in tribal communities.Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 20 Dec. 2024
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Related:Tennessee Democrats outline legislative agenda aimed at supporting working-class families Lamar also criticized Republican reticence to enact gun access reform.Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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People should also wash their hands after handling raw animal products and limit contact with sick or dead animals.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
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What could the next step in that evolution be as many traditional media players look to find ways to limit their spending?Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The Full House alum will portray law enforcement officer Lieutenant Bishop in the upcoming procedural drama On Call.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
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Over time, the silly series portrayed a bold plot of the toilet heads going to war against figures with cameras and televisions for heads.Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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That was an era which came to define the NBA for a period, but the narrative was one that often delineated along racial lines, by pitting a Black man and White man against each other.Johannes Sasay-Wada and Amanda Davies, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
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That would delineate potential ridership, revenue, number of trips, project costs and more.Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 8 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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