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.

The term ‘passive income’ doesn’t begin to describe the emotional labor of dealing with short-term renters.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

“I was scrappy,” Ng said, “which is definitely how I describe my personality and the way I approach most things in life.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

And yet the language we use to describe space-time is often vague, metaphorical and deeply inconsistent.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

For Patton Oswalt, it’s at slop bowls, an Internet slang term used to describe fast-casual meals that emphasize efficiency rather than flavor or any soul.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

Nora always knew how to describe things, Jackson had noticed.

From "I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964" by Lauren Tarshis

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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