Synonyms for

Describes

Verb / dɪˈskraɪbz / Another word for describes — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To give an account of or represent in words.

Synonyms & similar words

report delineate draw trace distinguish line describe account discover name key keyout identify depict explains details characterizes depicts narrates portrays relates tells expresses represents renders chronicles recounts presents communicates articulates verbalizes

Synonyms by register

Formal

characterizes delineates portrays depicts

Informal

tells about sums up lays out explains

Literary

limns sketches paints

Antonyms

conceals hides obscures withholds suppresses masks

Common collocations

  • describes the scene
  • describes the process
  • describes the symptoms
  • describes the event
  • describes the feeling
  • describes the character
  • describes the situation

Word family

noun description
verb describe
adjective descriptive
adverb descriptively

Usage note

The verb 'describe' is used to give an account of something in words. It is generally neutral in register. Be careful not to confuse it with 'prescribe', which means to recommend or order.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher describes the butterfly's life cycle.
  2. He describes his favorite book to his friend.
  3. The witness describes the suspect's appearance to the police.
  4. She describes the movie as exciting and suspenseful.
  5. He describes the taste of the pizza as cheesy and delicious.

Quotes

  • 'Every great design begins with an even better story.' - Lorinda Mamo
  • 'The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.' - Brandon Sanderson
  • 'Words are a lens to focus one's mind.' - Ayn Rand

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