Synonyms of define

define

verb

di-ˈfīn 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trace
• outline
• delineate
• sketch
• surround
• circle
• trim
• bound
• round
• silhouette
• line
• margin
• draw
• frame
• fringe
• encircle
• loop
• edge
• rim
• hem
• chart
• ring
• skirt
• map (out)
• compass
• diagram
• girth
• girdle

2

as in to describe

to mark the limits of

the river defines the town on the south

Synonyms & Similar Words

• describe
• limit
• bound
• delimit
• demarcate
• govern
• mark (off)
• circumscribe
• demark
• terminate
• determine
• control
• delineate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• characterize
• describe
• portray
• represent
• depict
• character
• identify
• classify
• categorize
• specify
• indicate
• type
• pigeonhole
• distinguish
• mark
• individualize
• stamp
• particularize
• name
• color

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specify
• prescribe
• direct
• dictate
• lay down
• order
• tell
• arrange
• assign
• select
• choose
• instruct
• set
• manage
• require
• govern
• constrain
• compel
• control
• conduct
• force
• ordain
• lead
• coerce
• decree
• enjoin
• bid
• fix
• obligate
• settle
• oblige
• command
• adjure
• charge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of define

Abercrombie has been more focused on listening to shoppers than on protecting the narrow identity that once defined it. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026

The implication is that farm murders are the country’s defining crime. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Why gains don’t add up Webb said part of the reason individual productivity gains don’t add up across a company is how firms define return on investment. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Operation Vivaldi has been largely defined by Ukraine’s innovative use of technology, especially aerial and ground drones and armored personal carriers. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026