redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn How to pronounce redefine (audio)
redefined; redefining; redefines
Synonyms of redefine

transitive verb

1
: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate
had to redefine their terms
2
a
: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change
b
: transform sense 1c
redefinition
(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce redefine (audio)
noun

Synonyms of redefine

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Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Just a short flight from Florida, Martinique is seeking to redefine its economic role in the Caribbean. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 Value-to-Revenue Multiples for Different Sports What’s next The NBA will redefine its finances over the next decade. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Voyages from Antarctica to deep-sea archaeological sites helped redefine the role of the modern superyacht. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 For teens building their first skincare habits or women redefining self-care as something for themselves rather than for others, this mist is a small but meaningful reminder that confidence can be self-made. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for redefine

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of redefine was in 1848

Rhymes for redefine

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Browse Nearby Words

redefect
redefine
redefinition
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redefine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redefine. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

redefine

verb
re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn How to pronounce redefine (audio)
1
: to define (as a concept) again
redefined their terms
2
: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change
redefine our goals
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