redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn How to pronounce redefine (audio)
redefined; redefining; redefines
Synonyms of redefine

transitive verb

1
: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate
had to redefine their terms
2
a
: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change
b
: transform sense 1c
redefinition
(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce redefine (audio)
noun

Synonyms of redefine

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Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have created a system to help redefine heart health for girls and women. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 30 Oct. 2026 Italian designers who are redefining the future of fashion, including designers and artisans who are contributing to the creative evolution of Italy with tradition, innovation and responsibility. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026 Waddingham’s move to the Lead Actress ranks, joining star Sudeikis on the distaff side, fits with Ted Lasso‘s Season 4 focus on women who break barriers and redefine leadership. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 An engineer is someone trained to understand complex systems, define and redefine problems, bring together the knowledge and tools needed to solve them, test whether solutions work, and take responsibility for the outcome. — Sufian Aldogom, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for redefine

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of redefine was in 1848

Rhymes for redefine

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Browse Nearby Words

redefect
redefine
redefinition
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redefine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redefine. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

redefine

verb
re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn How to pronounce redefine (audio)
1
: to define (as a concept) again
redefined their terms
2
: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change
redefine our goals
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