describe

[dih-skrahyb] / dɪˈskraɪb /

VERB

explain in speech, writing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

call characterize chronicle construe define depict detail express illustrate interpret label name outline portray recount report represent specify tell term

STRONG

communicate delineate distinguish draw elucidate epitomize exemplify explicate expound illuminate image impart limn narrate paint particularize picture recite rehearse relate sketch state trace transmit

WEAK

convey image make apparent make clear make sense of make vivid mark out write up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conceal confuse distort hide ignore listen misunderstand suppress

STRONG

cloud complicate mystify obscure

WEAK

misrepresent mix up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s that word that gets weaponized so often lately to describe things that are bad but somewhat entertaining, which is exactly how I’d describe Gyllenhaal’s output this decade.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Multiple insiders describe him as extraordinarily persuasive in one-on-one conversations.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

But his party rejected the offer - a decision Basu would later famously describe as a "historic blunder".

From BBC • May 26, 2026

And writing the formula in computer code doesn’t breathe life into it; it just uses a different set of symbols to describe it.

From Slate • May 25, 2026

The best I can describe it is that my brain is a trapped badger, and all it’s doing is reacting.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Vocabulary lists containing describe

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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