Synonyms for
Describe
Definition
To give an account or representation of something in words.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- describe in detail
- describe the scene
- describe the process
- describe the symptoms
- describe the event
- describe the character
- describe the appearance
Word family
Usage note
While 'describe' is a general term, 'depict' and 'portray' often imply a more vivid or artistic representation. Avoid using 'describe' with 'what' and 'how' simultaneously, e.g., 'describe what happened'.
Example sentences
- Can you describe your day at school?
- She tried to describe the color of the sky to her friend.
- He described the taste of the ice cream as 'sweet and cold.'
- The witness was asked to describe the suspect's appearance.
- I can't describe how amazing the view was from the top of the mountain!
Quotes
The job of the writer is to describe things in a way that makes them look new. - Ernest Hemingway
To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. - Maya Angelou
I try to describe the absurdity of life, the human condition. - David Lynch