as in restricted
having distinct or certain limits
well defined guidelines on the range of activities in which the intelligence agency can engage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in traced
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
2
as in bounded
to mark the limits of
the river defines the town on the south
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in described
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 specified
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defined
Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Boxy, Straight-Lined Furniture Sharp angles and rigid silhouettes once defined contemporary interiors, but designers are increasingly embracing softer forms.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026
Every game in the Finals was defined by razor-thin margins.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026
As Anthony begins serving his sentence and prepares an appeal, here's a look back at the moments that defined the case.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
But Paredes said that success can be defined in other ways, too.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2026
And Jon Snow was almost defined by his goodness.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
The ensemble was defined by a bold bib-like white panel across the bodice, long sleeves, and crisp white cuffs.
—Elle Meier, InStyle, 13 June 2026
In the past its structure must have been more compact and defined, as opposed to its amorphous shape today.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 June 2026
Verb
It will be defined by who constructs the systems that allow both to scale together—and who had the capital, the patience, and the mandate to start building before anyone else.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Boxy, Straight-Lined Furniture Sharp angles and rigid silhouettes once defined contemporary interiors, but designers are increasingly embracing softer forms.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026
Every game in the Finals was defined by razor-thin margins.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026
As Anthony begins serving his sentence and prepares an appeal, here's a look back at the moments that defined the case.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
But Paredes said that success can be defined in other ways, too.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2026
And Jon Snow was almost defined by his goodness.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
The ensemble was defined by a bold bib-like white panel across the bodice, long sleeves, and crisp white cuffs.
—Elle Meier, InStyle, 13 June 2026
In the past its structure must have been more compact and defined, as opposed to its amorphous shape today.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defined
Adjective
-
Drone operators who violate the restricted space face criminal penalties.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
The deal will also save the Panthers from placing a restricted tender on Coker in 2027.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Its earliest iteration can be traced back to the 1870s, when Scottish inventor John Boyd Dunlop—best known for patenting the pneumatic tire—made good on his familiarity with rubber to design a low-top canvas shoe with a vulcanized rubber sole.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
15 June 2026
-
According to AccuWeather, the cluster of disturbed weather over Mexico can be traced in part to moisture associated with Cristina, which reached tropical storm strength in the eastern Pacific Ocean south of Central America.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The first phase of the development will involve two 14-story towers to be constructed in the parking lot space bounded by 63rd Street on the north, 64th Street on the south, the Metra Electric tracks on the east, and Dorchester Avenue on the west.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
-
Dressed almost entirely in black clothes more suitable for winter despite temperatures still hovering in the 80s, the 41-year-old singer bounded onstage and immediately established a tone that was equal parts concert, confessional and motivational speech.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Last May, after playing through pain in his right hand, a slumping Alvarez was sidelined with what the team described as a muscle strain.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
Rondeau described her father as a devoted dad who took her to volleyball and softball practice, went camping with her and taught her about the outdoors.—
Nick Lunemann,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The United States would have 60 days to fulfill their obligations specified in the agreement, Aragchi said.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
-
Police also said that the man and woman knew each other, but have not specified their relationship, nor any possible link to the Kaiser complex.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
To get around, ranchers relied on horses, boats, and remote airstrips, and access to goods and services was limited.—
Mark Johanson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 June 2026
-
My brothers-in-law and their spouses give their parents only limited amounts of time on holidays and limited physical assistance to their parents only if my husband begs for help.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
The blazer featured two wide lapels outlined in a whip stitch and stacked pocket flaps on each side of body.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
15 June 2026
-
The ideals that are outlined in the Declaration of Independence are timeless.—
Faith Salie,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
The line there was visible, demarcated by a wide dirt path and small yellow markings.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Instead, Yoo provides pearls of thoughtful surrealist images on a long string, a new sentence only demarcated by a capital letter.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defined. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
