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.

Burden wasn’t married to a gambler, and she does not use “financial infidelity” to describe what happened to her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The phrase coined by legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to describe the tension of the run-in could not be more apt this season.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Now, he said, clients can describe the shot to AI, which could find it faster.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

“I don’t know how to describe it. Like… like I’m in the middle of a river but it’s going in four different directions.”

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

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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