1
as in to trace
to draw or make apparent the outline of
the man's roly-poly shape was softly delineated by the glow of the fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words
the story does a remarkable job of delineating the emotions that immigrants feel upon their arrival in a strange country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of delineate
This expansive novel delineates the multigenerational fallout from a young bride’s impulsive decision to leave her new husband for his best friend.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Pay special attention to the way the architectural details guide you through the rooms—ceiling lines delineate spaces for lounging and function, and the narrow, sliced windows in the bedroom and living spaces frame painting-like views of the landscape.
—Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025
Archways are positioned to act as doorways, while varying the materials underfoot—gravel, flagstone, grass—delineates each space.
—Teresa Woodard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
At most institutions, the promotion and tenure process is meticulously delineated, but the influences of the individual elements in the process are not well understood.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delineate
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Pay special attention to the way the architectural details guide you through the rooms—ceiling lines delineate spaces for lounging and function, and the narrow, sliced windows in the bedroom and living spaces frame painting-like views of the landscape.
—Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025
Archways are positioned to act as doorways, while varying the materials underfoot—gravel, flagstone, grass—delineates each space.
—Teresa Woodard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
At most institutions, the promotion and tenure process is meticulously delineated, but the influences of the individual elements in the process are not well understood.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delineate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delineate
Verb
-
Blackburn’s cellphone was traced near the lake, according to the outlets.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The initial cases were traced back to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
President Trump describes his administration's sweeping new tariffs on other countries as a tool for accomplishing a range of key economic goals, including reviving U.S. manufacturing.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
1 May 2025
-
Holden’s family described the ordeal on a website dedicated to securing his release.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
So, how exactly do brands arrive at the perfect shade to define the year ahead?—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2025
-
And what will define a successful correspondents' dinner for the Hilton?—
Major Garrett,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Both have been about quote, unquote, love, even though neither show is depicting true love.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
The ways that sound, emanating from speakers or depicted on album covers, was interpolated with the visual was indeed one of the exhibition’s most entrancing aspects and radical critical interventions.—
Ivy G. Wilson,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
In a letter to U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman formally outlined the league’s proposal.—
Meg Linehan,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Zelensky told journalists on Friday that Ukraine had outlined a list of security guarantees with London this week and will pursue his alternative plan following discussions with Trump in Rome on Saturday.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This hiatus was reportedly attributed to an injury sustained by Bo Dallas, who portrays the Uncle Howdy character, as WWE had specific creative plans in place for the entire group.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delineate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delineate. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share