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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of define
By Raja Shehadeh Save In this short, pained meditation, Shehadeh, a renowned Palestinian writer and human rights advocate, puzzles over the conflict that has defined his life.
—
Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
But adoption dynamics are defined by human and physical world transformation timescales, and these changes and build-outs, e.g., in telecommunications or transportation networks or energy or computing infrastructures, take decades to complete.
—Marcus Weldon, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Rise already showed that Capcom can make an approachable Monster Hunter without compromising the series’ identity, and Wilds could’ve gone further to create a modernized experience without sacrificing the quirks that define the franchise.
—Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
But the study shows that the first 12-month period exceeding 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels — generally defined as average temperatures between 1850 and 1900 — likely would occur within the period breaching the target.
—Andrew Freedman, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
But adoption dynamics are defined by human and physical world transformation timescales, and these changes and build-outs, e.g., in telecommunications or transportation networks or energy or computing infrastructures, take decades to complete.
—Marcus Weldon, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Rise already showed that Capcom can make an approachable Monster Hunter without compromising the series’ identity, and Wilds could’ve gone further to create a modernized experience without sacrificing the quirks that define the franchise.
—Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
But the study shows that the first 12-month period exceeding 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels — generally defined as average temperatures between 1850 and 1900 — likely would occur within the period breaching the target.
—Andrew Freedman, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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This timely book traces the origins and significance of Thai labor in Israel.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
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Intended to show support for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war (the first phase of which has since been completed), the Jewish community contends that the red hand image traces its roots to a 2000 incident in the West Bank which resulted in the deaths of several IDF soldiers.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The untitled movie is described as an original event film created and helmed by the iconic director.—
Pamela McClintock,
The Hollywood Reporter,
18 Feb. 2025
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Nordquist’s mother, Linda, described her son as a man with a romantic heart and told Syracuse.com that Nordquist left home to pursue a romantic relationship.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Destructive conflict, on the other hand, is characterized by negative emotions and personal attacks.—
Dileep Marway,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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Pisces personality, traits Pisces are characterized by their creativity and imagination, Walker says.—
Olivia Munson,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Fabio Wajngarten, a lawyer for Bolsonaro, did not immediately comment on the charges but said there would be a statement, without specifying when.—
Eléonore Hughes and Mauricio Savarese,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2025
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Tuesday’s comments are his most detailed yet in specifying other sectors to be hit with fresh barriers if implemented.—
Bloomberg,
The Mercury News,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This column is our attempt to clinically outline the facts about deficits — and efforts to reduce or eliminate them.—
Axios,
Axios,
25 Feb. 2025
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According to the news agency Reuters, an ICE memo has outlined an unprecedented push to target migrant children who crossed the border illegally as unaccompanied minors.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Last week, Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, announced on X the department canceled nearly $1 billion in educational research contracts, severely limiting the agency's data-collecting arm.—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
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Since 2017, California's sanctuary state law, the California Values Act (SB 54), has limited local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As described in the press notes, sight is portrayed through silhouettes from majestic to micro proportions; oversized profiles to mini landscapes with petite detailing.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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We haven't been totally shut out, but we haven't been portrayed in this particular way.—
Jay Stahl,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For instance, if one co-founder excels in technical development and the other in marketing, delineate these areas clearly (not just in terms of work, but in terms of decision-making) to leverage each person's strengths.—
Abdo Riani,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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The Oslo maps are used to this day to delineate geopolitical visions of Israel and a future state of Palestine that are based on international law.—
Christine Leuenberger,
The Conversation,
7 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to define
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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