define

verb

di-ˈfīn How to pronounce define (audio)
Definition of definenext
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
as in to describe
to mark the limits of the river defines the town on the south

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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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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 define Castro has solidified his place as one of the defining voices of Latin pop and romantic music. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026 In a different federal landscape, this may have been the defining act of Newsom’s administration. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 In an election defined by affordability concerns, a climate group is emerging as one of the biggest independent spenders in support of Democrats this year. — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 The high energy prices, and related inflation, have become a defining issue for voters in the coming midterm elections. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for define
Recent Examples of Synonyms for define
  1. trace
  2. describe
  3. characterize
  4. specify
  5. outline
  6. limit
  7. portray
  8. delineate
Verb
  • The drama, now streaming, traces her evolution from grieving mother to vengeful killer.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • This conceit allows Harbach to trace the development of not just his characters but his own work, through the reception of Owen’s book and through the way Westish students discuss his other authorial proxy, Edith Wharton.
    — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of trace
Verb
  • Companies that describe their services as sovereign without being clear about those dependencies risk accusations of sovereignty-washing.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Some puzzlers describe solving the crossword as a workout; for me, today’s was a knock-down, drag-out fistfight.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of describe
Verb
  • El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by warmer waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that spur changes in the atmosphere that can affect weather around the world.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Physical description The oyamel fir is characterized by its straight gray trunk and narrow conical crown and typically grows between 40 and 60 meters (130–200 feet) tall.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • The announcement did not specify when testing would begin or disclose results from previous development work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The company did not name a successor or specify a retirement date.
    — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • In a separate interview, Sundwall homed in on cars and economic impact, outlining efficiency honed through the methods of private business, as well as total spending transparency.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Nvidia's most recent quarterly financial filing in August outlined over $500 billion in off-balance-sheet commitments over the coming years, with a majority maturing through fiscal 2029.
    — Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of outline
Verb
  • The debate about how to control AI and limit its potential for damage is healthy and necessary.
    — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • And limiting the ongoing growth in average EV battery capacity—driven by preferences for longer range and larger vehicles—could reduce demand by another 23 percent compared to the current trend.
    — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of limit
Verb
  • Beckman portrayed the first lady's work on the ceasefire as an extension of her efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families after they were separated by Russia's war against Ukraine.
    — BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Pundits continue to portray the Taiwan Strait as the world’s most dangerous flashpoint; the summit’s agenda suggested otherwise.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of portray
Verb
  • Looking for these details in others’ profiles can help delineate between users who are using AI to fabricate their profiles and presenting authentic personas.
    — Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The new plan delineates rough land-use areas, not specific buildings or footprints.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of delineate

Browse Nearby Words

definable
define
defined
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Cite this Entry

“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/define. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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