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

Drawing on Martin Heidegger’s phenomenology, he defines a UFO sighting as the sort of sense impression that happens “when the heavens break down and stop working.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

“Offering a generous 20-foot-wide footprint and spanning 5,000 square feet, this six-bedroom, six-bath residence defines timeless urban sophistication,” the listing crowed.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026

The UK government defines a child as anyone under 18.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

In Seoul's affluent district of Gangnam, a severe heatwave has changed the currency of cool: access to air conditioning now defines the line between the haves and the have-nots.

From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026

“Lisa must love this place, though. It pretty much defines outdoorsy.”

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed