Synonyms of define

define

verb

di-ˈfīn 

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

• trace
• outline
• delineate
• sketch
• surround
• circle
• trim
• bound
• round
• silhouette
• line
• margin
• draw
• frame
• fringe
• encircle
• loop
• edge
• rim
• hem
• chart
• ring
• skirt
• map (out)
• compass
• diagram
• girth
• girdle

2

as in to describe

to mark the limits of

the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words

• describe
• limit
• bound
• delimit
• demarcate
• govern
• mark (off)
• circumscribe
• demark
• terminate
• determine
• control
• delineate

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

• characterize
• describe
• portray
• represent
• depict
• character
• identify
• classify
• categorize
• specify
• indicate
• type
• pigeonhole
• distinguish
• mark
• individualize
• stamp
• particularize
• name
• color

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

• specify
• prescribe
• direct
• dictate
• lay down
• order
• tell
• arrange
• assign
• select
• choose
• instruct
• set
• manage
• require
• govern
• constrain
• compel
• control
• conduct
• force
• ordain
• lead
• coerce
• decree
• enjoin
• bid
• fix
• obligate
• settle
• oblige
• command
• adjure
• charge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of define

Yuri Nosov, Director of the Beloyarsk plant, said that post-irradiation studies will define the role of this technology in the fuel cycle. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026

Uncertainty defined Braun’s night as well. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

The Odeon The Tribeca modern French restaurant defined 1980s downtown — Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Robert De Niro all hung out here — and the next generation has kept it on the map. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026

Today’s entrepreneurial environment is defined by competition, a constant race to outdo fellow industry players. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026