definition

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce definition (audio)
Definition of definitionnext
as in description
a vivid representation in words of someone or something he gave us his definition of the perfect romantic evening on the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 definition AngelAi is already moving beyond the narrow definition of a mortgage assistant. — Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 For the handful of Deaf linguists who attend the event, that definition extends beyond spoken language. — New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026 But the definition of AGI is not important for these safety issues. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 If its plans succeed, the CPC will get to write both the definitions and the history books. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definition
  1. description
  2. portrait
  3. depiction
  4. portrayal
Noun
  • His June 1992 Democratic primary victory over Los Angeles school board member Leticia Quezada in California’s 30th Congressional District earned the 34-year-old candidate that description in The Times.
    — Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • On the other side, patients might not provide an accurate medical history or description of their symptoms.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of description
Noun
  • The orchestra paints a colorful musical portrait for the choreography.
    — Libby Smith, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Around the same time, Rivera painted a full-body portrait of Pan dancing, and Pan hung the painting in the parlor of his house.
    — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • Labeled by the press as a farmer and his wife, the depiction of the couple found detractors in both Iowans and art critics.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • So the ability for people to make visual depictions and reach towards cinematic success became more palpable or more accessible.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • Either way, that sensibility has yet to trickle down to mainstream portrayals of Zoomer romance on screen, which remain largely beholden to templates established by previous generations.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Rose earned Hüller the Best Leading Performance at the Berlin Film Festival for portrayal of this survivor, loosely based on numerous IRL genderfluid figures in European history, back in February.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of portrayal

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Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definition. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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