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 proposal does not include a summary explaining the purpose of the observance, and no additional details have been published outlining how the dates would be calculated beyond the language in the bill text.
—
Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
In her third semester at KISS, Kitty is determined to kick off senior year the right way by setting intentional time with her friends and outlining a list of goals to achieve.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Yet even ballpark figures do the job of outlining how vast a saving his departure is going to create.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
The Dallas Mavericks are signaling a strong commitment to staying in Dallas as their current arena lease approaches its end, with team leadership outlining plans for a new, large-scale entertainment district.
—Erin Jones, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
While the easiest way to catch the ceremony online at no cost is through DirecTV’s five-day trial period, The Hollywood Reporter is further outlining each streaming option ahead, including any free trials and limited-time discounts.
—Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
Last September, the city released the feasibility study, outlining the site’s potential uses and evaluating considerations like parking and utilities.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
The New York Times, citing two unnamed sources, and Reuters, citing an unnamed source, reported earlier the White House had sent Iran a plan outlining 15 steps for the country to take in order to end the war.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Those prosecutors and others in the office who aided the investigation were angered when a report outlining the harassment investigation — complete with potentially identifying details of the participants — was publicly released.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026
Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
In her third semester at KISS, Kitty is determined to kick off senior year the right way by setting intentional time with her friends and outlining a list of goals to achieve.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Yet even ballpark figures do the job of outlining how vast a saving his departure is going to create.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
The Dallas Mavericks are signaling a strong commitment to staying in Dallas as their current arena lease approaches its end, with team leadership outlining plans for a new, large-scale entertainment district.
—Erin Jones, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
While the easiest way to catch the ceremony online at no cost is through DirecTV’s five-day trial period, The Hollywood Reporter is further outlining each streaming option ahead, including any free trials and limited-time discounts.
—Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
Last September, the city released the feasibility study, outlining the site’s potential uses and evaluating considerations like parking and utilities.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
The New York Times, citing two unnamed sources, and Reuters, citing an unnamed source, reported earlier the White House had sent Iran a plan outlining 15 steps for the country to take in order to end the war.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Those prosecutors and others in the office who aided the investigation were angered when a report outlining the harassment investigation — complete with potentially identifying details of the participants — was publicly released.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlining
Verb
-
The lineup sparked immediate buzz across social media, with the group headlining opening night alongside Jaÿ-Z—a full-circle moment tracing back to their MTV Unplugged collaboration nearly 25 years ago—with Erykah Badu closing out the second night.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The museum explores the roots of Silicon Valley, tracing a time when machines were little more than terminals connecting users to room-sized computing systems.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The state requires cities to submit an annual report summarizing progress on implementing the city’s general plan and reports on housing production, stated a report from Planning Manager Chris Dominguez.—
Jim Drummond,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
-
That’s Ai Weiwei, summarizing both his life and his work.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Astor family were the defining dynasty of New York's Gilded Age, and that spirit of grandeur and meticulous hosting has traveled with the brand ever since.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Dowd returns to her career-defining role as Aunt Lydia, who is now the leader of the school where Agnes and Daisy are students.—
Alex Cramer,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outlining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlining. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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