1
as in tracing
to draw or make apparent the outline of
she carefully outlined the tree before she started drawing in the leaves
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in summarizing
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
outlined the important points in the introduction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outlining
The Sentinel has done a thorough job outlining the fiscal impact that eliminating property taxes in Florida would have on homeowners, businesses and local governments.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
The initiative’s website also features a World Cup section, outlining proper soccer terminology, tips for getting around the Northland and weekly watch parties hosted or promoted by Go North KC.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
This also requires outlining clear roles, data-sharing agreements and performance metrics that all stakeholders understand and support.
—Miki Kapoor, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
As the battle plays out in court, the USPS followed the White House’s order that the agency propose a rule outlining a method for each state and the postal carrier to agree on a list of voters eligible to receive mail-in and absentee ballots, and how mail-in ballots should be packaged.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2026
Curated by Our Editors In 2020 an international commission addressed these concerns by outlining the conditions under which society should deem human germ line editing acceptable.
—Laura Dattaro, Scientific American, 10 June 2026
Earlier this month, ESPN published a press release outlining its plans for the Knicks-Spurs series.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
The latter provided her with a five- to 10-page document outlining resources and procedures and confirmed that the phenomenon is skyrocketing.
—Albinson Linares, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Instead, Villa spoke to Rogers’ representatives, explaining the plan and outlining their intentions to increase his pay.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
The initiative’s website also features a World Cup section, outlining proper soccer terminology, tips for getting around the Northland and weekly watch parties hosted or promoted by Go North KC.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
This also requires outlining clear roles, data-sharing agreements and performance metrics that all stakeholders understand and support.
—Miki Kapoor, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
As the battle plays out in court, the USPS followed the White House’s order that the agency propose a rule outlining a method for each state and the postal carrier to agree on a list of voters eligible to receive mail-in and absentee ballots, and how mail-in ballots should be packaged.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2026
Curated by Our Editors In 2020 an international commission addressed these concerns by outlining the conditions under which society should deem human germ line editing acceptable.
—Laura Dattaro, Scientific American, 10 June 2026
Earlier this month, ESPN published a press release outlining its plans for the Knicks-Spurs series.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
The latter provided her with a five- to 10-page document outlining resources and procedures and confirmed that the phenomenon is skyrocketing.
—Albinson Linares, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Instead, Villa spoke to Rogers’ representatives, explaining the plan and outlining their intentions to increase his pay.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlining
Verb
-
The evening will feature artists and musicians tracing the evolution of the American sound––highlighting music that powerfully reflects, challenges, and celebrates the American experience, culture, and identity.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
-
The village of Juaben is home to the Aston Villa supporters’ group The Ghana Lions, with their fandom tracing back to a love of the club’s former Republic of Ireland international defender Paul McGrath.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Samsung Phone Deal The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features a gorgeous display that stays readable in direct sunlight, while next-level AI tricks genuinely save time, like summarizing calls or finding pet photos from vague voice commands.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
26 Nov. 2025
-
The sequence of events is complex, but worth summarizing for its audacity.—
Sean Patrick Cooper,
Rolling Stone,
24 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That was the defining feature of the immediate aftermath of one of the most iconic basketball wins ever.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
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And edged to the north by the Great Lakes, is a now defining coastal culture with a history that drove industrial innovation, military security and trade.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outlining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlining. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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