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 Pressure is building for standard definitions of stress, resilience and recovery speed, along with more clinical partnerships as regulators pay closer attention. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 So the same buyer can meet an agent gateway sold as inference infrastructure, an authorization runtime, a developer platform, or a security-posture tool and the definitions do not yet align. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Smid then shifted his questioning to the definition of administrative leave provided in the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office’s general orders manual. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 Recently, the Illinois Register proposed amending the administrative code to update the definitions of the various alcohol categories solely by their production process — not their alcohol content. — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for definition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definition
  1. description
  2. portrait
  3. depiction
  4. portrayal
Noun
  • While conducting surveillance, McCurnin spotted a man riding an electric scooter who matched the suspect’s description.
    — Velvet Wu July 1, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Make care work, such as offering emotional support, mentoring, and change management, part of the job description.
    — Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of description
Noun
  • Vexed by the story, Gonzalez created acontemporary portrait of Katteuha.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This is the portrait of then-General George Washington at Valley Forge, praying for guidance when the fight for America's independence seemed lost.
    — Lauren Green, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • Like that 1851 depiction of Washington, these portraits smudge the details of history in favor of a fantasy.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • Friendship was a tender, absurd depiction of a one-sided, quasi-platonic infatuation.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • The play, starring John Lithgow, already recouped its capitalization in May, with Lithgow winning a Tony for his portrayal of Roald Dahl.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026
  • That portrayal caused Amazon to want to distance itself from the film, given the company’s $50 billion investment in OpenAI, two of the sources said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of portrayal

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definiteness
definition
definitions
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Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definition. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on definition

Nglish: Translation of definition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about definition

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