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
His uncompromising stance on fiscal conservatism and his battles with both Democrats and Republican leadership defined his early Senate career.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Lee’s storied career in political activism is defined by her working-class background—a former single mother on public assistance with a keen understanding of the issues that plague working-class Black communities, from housing to healthcare.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
In an era where big-budget, AAA projects continue to define the video game industry — for better or for worse — a few publishers and studios are making their mark using popular games from the past.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
At least 445 mass shootings have occurred this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organization that defines mass shootings as incidents involving four or more victims.
—Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for define 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Lee’s storied career in political activism is defined by her working-class background—a former single mother on public assistance with a keen understanding of the issues that plague working-class Black communities, from housing to healthcare.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
In an era where big-budget, AAA projects continue to define the video game industry — for better or for worse — a few publishers and studios are making their mark using popular games from the past.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
At least 445 mass shootings have occurred this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organization that defines mass shootings as incidents involving four or more victims.
—Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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Such playoff pushes are an annual ritual under coach Kyle Shanahan tracing to the 2019 season, which opened … here, when defensive back Nick Bosa made his NFL debut on a tender ankle and the 49ers launched an 8-0 start.Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
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An investigation followed that would eventually trace the user name to a man who was posting to Reddit using the Internet at U-M. That man was Sissel.Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Trump could inject new levels of volatility into what is often described as the world’s most important bilateral relationship, after an election win that comes at a critical moment for the globe’s two largest economies.Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
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The suspects’ vehicle has been described as a black, four-door Lexus ES 350 that appeared to have noticeable damage on the front driver’s-side fender.Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The goal is to achieve a juicy look, characterized by an imprecise and slightly smudged application, reminiscent of the resulting lip tint after taking a bite of fruit.Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
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China's East Asian neighbors are also grappling with similar problems, characterized by rapidly aging populations and younger generations increasingly hesitant to have families.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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However, the application does not specify where filming will take place in the Queen City.Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
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The data doesn't specify voters' party affiliations.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The voluntary resolution agreement outlines steps the district will take the rest of the school year, including updating and revising policies and procedures and parts of its website.Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
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The filing outlines various risk factors, including significant operating and net losses, dependence on LiveOne for financing, and potential impacts of new technologies and regulations.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
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But that sole reliance on blood severely limits what the vampires can use for energy.Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
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Voters in Petaluma and Cloverdale also overwhelmingly approved measures to extend their urban-growth line laws, limiting development on farmland around those communities, to 2050 and 2045.Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Other elements add more layers, including Cross getting ensnared in a Black Lives Matter protest and having Alex face a real freak of a nemesis, portrayed with depraved confidence by Ryan Eggold.Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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Storied actor Denzel Washington has taken on the project of adapting August Wilson’s cycle of 10 plays that portray slices of Black life in each decade of the 1900s.Ronda Racha Penrice, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The instrument is a manifested vessel of blood, cultural, and generational heritage and knowledge that delineated the family’s lineage; despite living in a time that sought to erase their everyday existence.Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
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When a recall is made by the FDA, risk classifications are used to delineate the seriousness of the risk to the public.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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