1
as in traces
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
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2
as in describes
to mark the limits of
the river defines the town on the south
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in characterizes
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 specifies
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 defines
What defines Canneseries today?
—
Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
Long hours remain one of the biggest and most measurable culprits, with the report saying 35% of workers globally work more than 48 hours a week—occupational-health research often defines long working hours as 55 hours or more a week.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
The weather service defines an enhanced risk as, compared to a slight risk, an area of greater severe storm coverage with varying levels of intensity.
—Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2026
Someone who defines how it’s done.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Instead of burning coal, the system converts its chemical energy directly into electricity, avoiding the release of carbon dioxide that normally defines its environmental impact.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
The state defines neglect as intentionally not meeting a child’s basic needs, such as adequate food or weather-appropriate clothing.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
The piece is also topped by a jeweled medallion, adding to the sense of theatricality that often defines the studio’s late 19th-century commissions.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
There’s always at least one tone that defines a season—in recent times, butter yellow, chocolate brown, and cherry red have all been top contenders—but what seemed particularly impactful this season was how many brands embraced poignant palettes.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
Long hours remain one of the biggest and most measurable culprits, with the report saying 35% of workers globally work more than 48 hours a week—occupational-health research often defines long working hours as 55 hours or more a week.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
The weather service defines an enhanced risk as, compared to a slight risk, an area of greater severe storm coverage with varying levels of intensity.
—Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2026
Someone who defines how it’s done.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Instead of burning coal, the system converts its chemical energy directly into electricity, avoiding the release of carbon dioxide that normally defines its environmental impact.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
The state defines neglect as intentionally not meeting a child’s basic needs, such as adequate food or weather-appropriate clothing.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
The piece is also topped by a jeweled medallion, adding to the sense of theatricality that often defines the studio’s late 19th-century commissions.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
There’s always at least one tone that defines a season—in recent times, butter yellow, chocolate brown, and cherry red have all been top contenders—but what seemed particularly impactful this season was how many brands embraced poignant palettes.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defines
Verb
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With 40 original artifacts from the National Archives' collection, the exhibition traces what everyday life was like for British colonists, the roots of the colonists' rebellion and how the most important documents in our history are preserved and protected.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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The partnership traces its origins to April 2025, when CJ Group chair Lee Jay-hyun visited Japan and met with TBS leadership – including chair Sasaki Takashi and CEO Abe Ryujiro – to explore collaboration.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 May 2026
Verb
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And that describes this Panthers offense to a tee.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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The geological formation has been studied for decades, and that long record of scientific interest shapes how the company describes its role.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But no such device exists for the way Trump characterizes it — at least not when math is done correctly.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
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The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Senga’s $75 million, five-year contract, which runs through the 2027 season, specifies the pitcher cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his consent.—
Ronald Blum,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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The act specifies Florida Forever as the state’s primary land protection program to build the corridor.—
Susan Carr,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Malaysia has highlighted the blue economy as a priority area in its most recent economic plan, which outlines the nation’s policy objectives through 2030.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Four physicians working in addiction medicine published an American Journal of Public Health editorial that outlines strategies for getting medication to people in recovery during natural disasters.—
Andrew Jones,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Playing a young Michael is Juliano Krue Valdi, while Colman Domingo portrays patriarch Joe Jackson, who managed Michael and his brothers in the Jackson 5, and daughters Rebbie Jackson, La Toya Jackson and Janet Jackson.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
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Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, portrays Michael Jackson in his acting debut, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long as parents, Joe and Katherine.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Wood, specifically Canaletto walnut, delineates many of these elements and unifies the apartment from entrance to end.—
Ludovica Stevan,
Architectural Digest,
22 Mar. 2026
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The projection of Earth’s equator delineates the celestial equator, and the poles project onto the north and south celestial poles.—
Vahe Peroomian,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sister typically bounds around on their walks, but Bowen said the tiny dog kept sitting still on the road.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
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As Sac State bounds into the 2026 season as a first-time member of the FBS in the Mid-American Conference, Carter said his squad will not lack in effort.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defines. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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