1
as in tracing
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
Relevance
2
as in describing
to mark the limits of
the river defines the town on the south
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in characterizing
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 specifying
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 defining
In its latest action addressing broader issues, the El Cajon City Council on Tuesday voted against the state bill that would change rules about justifiable homicide and unanimously adopted a resolution defining antisemitism and promoting nondiscrimination of all residents.
—
Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
The company enjoyed a strong reputation for delivering the defining films of the first major action era until its demise nearly 30 years ago in 1995.
—Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
These targets were suddenly made to fear for their futures in the face of a retribution campaign that has been a defining feature of his first two months in office.
—Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
By defining purpose upfront and revisiting it with the rigor of a board reviewing a startup's KPIs, families transform wealth from a passive asset into a dynamic, multi-generational force.
—Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
These defining experiences become internal reference points for future choices.
—Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Brian Tyree Henry delivers a career-defining performance in Dope Thief.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Mar. 2025
The democratic lifestyle and mindset that each generation, according to Koch, should be brought up with, has within a few years been replaced with likes, emojis, and quick polls defining everything and everyone as a matter of yes/no, pro/con, black/white.
—Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Life has a way of defining our purpose through the moments that challenge us most.
—Cristian Lacapra, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
The company enjoyed a strong reputation for delivering the defining films of the first major action era until its demise nearly 30 years ago in 1995.
—Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
These targets were suddenly made to fear for their futures in the face of a retribution campaign that has been a defining feature of his first two months in office.
—Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
By defining purpose upfront and revisiting it with the rigor of a board reviewing a startup's KPIs, families transform wealth from a passive asset into a dynamic, multi-generational force.
—Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
These defining experiences become internal reference points for future choices.
—Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Brian Tyree Henry delivers a career-defining performance in Dope Thief.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Mar. 2025
The democratic lifestyle and mindset that each generation, according to Koch, should be brought up with, has within a few years been replaced with likes, emojis, and quick polls defining everything and everyone as a matter of yes/no, pro/con, black/white.
—Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Life has a way of defining our purpose through the moments that challenge us most.
—Cristian Lacapra, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defining
Verb
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Health experts cite as main culprits for the increase waning vaccination rates and a loss of broad immunity tracing to coronavirus lockdown protocols.—
Sabrina Malhi The Washington Post,
arkansasonline.com,
26 Dec. 2024
-
This might involve techniques like distributed tracing to understand the end-to-end flow of transactions, real-time anomaly detection to identify emerging trends and patterns, and incident response to quickly diagnose and mitigate issues.—
Tom Wilkie,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But that’s too pat a way of describing something so slippery and alive.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
-
While that excitement still defines the event, the phrase may work better today describing the frenzy of fans trying to get to the actual games.—
DeMarco Williams,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Park District Board of Commissioners must next approve a contract outlining Ramirez-Rosa’s salary.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2025
-
In outlining the methodology, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins drew comparisons to the European market where in-play betting represents about 75% of all wagers.—
Matt Rybaltowski,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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At just 10 years old, Owen didn't hesitate to join his father, bounding onto the track and climbing onto the car's roof.—
Alex Harrington,
Newsweek,
27 Dec. 2024
-
At just 10 years old, Owen didn't hesitate to join his father, bounding onto the track and climbing onto the car's roof.—
Alex Harrington,
Newsweek,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Farrar, portraying the observant and multilingual Demetrius, spoke about the invaluable experience of watching Davis and Anderson work.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Grande has been open about the emotional journey of portraying Glinda, which had been her dream role throughout her career.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
When positioned within three to four feet of people speaking, the CR Box significantly reduced airborne particles within seconds, suggesting potential benefits for limiting airborne disease transmission.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2025
-
All residents should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Whether your board can discontinue maintenance hinges on the co-op’s governing documents and the approval of any change by the requisite voting interests.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Apr. 2025
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The cooperative’s governing documents guide the board’s decisions, outlining specific responsibilities and limitations.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defining. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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