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Synonyms

defining

American  
[dih-fahy-ning] / dɪˈfaɪ nɪŋ /

adjective

  1. decisive; critically important.

    Taking a course in architecture was a defining turn in her life.


Other Word Forms

  • nondefining adjective
  • self-defining adjective

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.

This is a defining moment for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

From BBC

If his defining characteristic weren’t competence, Piggy could easily insert him into a cover of “Manchild” instead of duetting with Carpenter in a performance of “Islands in the Stream.”

From Salon

If the cleanup condensates break down, harmful proteins can build up, which is a defining feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.

From Science Daily

“Voters feel hammered by cost-of-living realities, so affordability will be a defining issue for them.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the near term, volatility is likely to remain a defining characteristic of digital asset markets.

From Barron's