defines

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.

The report defines “forced labor” as “all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Transportation construction spending, as the government defines it, refers to structures used for transportation, such as airport hangars, bus terminals, railroad tracks and marinas.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Alberto Fujimori's legacy still defines his daughter's political identity — and is both an asset and a liability.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Barabak: A popular expression — which Steyer mentioned — defines insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

It’s the way we deal with what Fate hands us that defines who we are.

From "A Tangle of Knots" by Lisa Graff