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
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of define
There is no immediate indication that such discrimination, as defined by President Donald Trump’s State Department, took place under Biden.
—
Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The report tracked stars — defined as players who were All-Stars or All-NBA selections in the current season or two prior seasons — across five decades.
—Christian Clark, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
But businesses need stability to make the kinds of major capital investments that building new factories in this country requires, not a climate defined by ninety-day pauses and abrupt reversals.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
Material in low-Earth orbit, defined as less than 200km from Earth, is intended to re-enter the atmosphere and burn up.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The report tracked stars — defined as players who were All-Stars or All-NBA selections in the current season or two prior seasons — across five decades.
—Christian Clark, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
But businesses need stability to make the kinds of major capital investments that building new factories in this country requires, not a climate defined by ninety-day pauses and abrupt reversals.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
Material in low-Earth orbit, defined as less than 200km from Earth, is intended to re-enter the atmosphere and burn up.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
Verb
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While very personal, each of these reactions can be traced back to our evolution: our primal need for reproduction, protection and survival.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
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Over the course of more than a decade, the Kendall Jenner school of style’s codes can be traced through her Coachella outfits of choice.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Spiritualist websites describe the Hall of Amenti as the underworld or a mystical domain.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2025
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The suspect is described by cops as dark-skinned and 5-foot-5 and was dressed in black.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to characterize the sudden change in policy as part of a grand negotiating strategy.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
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The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon which is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
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The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Ida Kassa Johannesen Head of commercial ESG at Saxo Bank Goldman’s Della Vigna outlined three reasons to back-up his view on why ESG investors should bring oil and gas stocks in from the cold.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2025
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The letters, which were described to Reuters by four people familiar with their contents, outlined the Chinese position as well as the need for multipolarity and for countries to stand together.—
Beijing and Washington Bureaus,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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In the bottom of the seventh, Corona (19-2, 9-1), which was limited to one hit in the game, loaded the bases with one out against freshman pitcher Striker Pence, but then stranded the runners after consecutive pop flies.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the 1998 classic — which saw Lindsay Lohan in her film debut — Quaid portrayed vineyard owner Nick Parker, the father of twins Hallie and Annie (both Lohan), who convince him to reunite with their mother Elizabeth (played by Natasha Richardson).—
Brendan Le,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Tim Burton's version of the movie saw Keaton as a dark, surly Batman, shaping the way the character would be portrayed for the next three decades.—
Rebecca Aizin,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This expansive novel delineates the multigenerational fallout from a young bride’s impulsive decision to leave her new husband for his best friend.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
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Pay special attention to the way the architectural details guide you through the rooms—ceiling lines delineate spaces for lounging and function, and the narrow, sliced windows in the bedroom and living spaces frame painting-like views of the landscape.—
Tim Nelson,
Architectural Digest,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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