defines

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give description v.
delimit, outline v.

VERB

give description

Synonyms

STRONGEST

characterize construe decide delineate describe designate detail determine exemplify explain illustrate interpret prescribe represent specify spell out

STRONG

ascertain assign denominate denote dub elucidate entitle etch expound formalize label name tag translate

WEAK

call a spade a spade lay it out nail it down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

confuse hesitate hide misrepresent obscure

WEAK

distort tangle twist

VERB

delimit, outline

Synonyms

STRONGEST

delineate distinguish establish limit mark set

STRONG

belt border bound circumscribe compass confine curb demarcate edge encircle enclose encompass envelop fix flank gird girdle rim settle surround verge

WEAK

fence in mark out set bounds to stake out wall in

Antonyms

STRONG

aid assist center free help let go lose open release unloose unsettle

WEAK

confuse distort tangle twist

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.

See Examples For:

defines

It can, they said, act as a label that defines them by their "difficulties" rather than "strengths and potential".

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

The proposal defines a meaningful benchmark as “an investment, strategy, index, or other comparator that has similar mandates, strategies, objectives, and risks.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

West Virginia defines microschools as schools that charge tuition and are started by one or more teachers.

From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2026

There is one specific trait, however, that Pedroza said defines Thomas’ skills: his heat-seeking-missile accuracy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

Then the effort to make good on that vow is what defines us as human beings.

From "Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science" by Marc Aronson