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 first few hundred pages were great, but at some point it became evident that the rest was going to describe in great detail the outcome named in the subtitle: the fall of New York.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The documents describe an elaborate hoax in which the defendants allegedly created fake companies and fraudulent email accounts and driver’s licenses to help fool lenders into loaning them huge sums of money.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Social psychologists describe this phenomenon as “post hoc” or “motivated reasoning.”

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

"Words cannot describe how we are feeling as a family right now," Collins' family said.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

It seemed too, I don’t know, fluffy to describe a time-traveling criminal the same way you describe a really pretty bug.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing describe

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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