1
as in to trace
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 to summarize
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
1
as in silhouette
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface
place your hand on the paper and draw an outline around it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in summary
a short statement of the main points
a printed outline of the lecture has been made available for all attendees
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 outline
Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2025
Ultimately, the proposal outlines the committee’s success metrics as: achieving a 20% budget reduction, shifting between 5% to 10% of expenses to non-levy sources and streamlining more than 20 processes.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025
The Journal reported that Trump's note featured typewritten text surrounded by the outline of a naked woman, complete with Trump's signature below the woman's waist, which appeared to mimic pubic hair.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for outline
Verb
Personnel issues are required to be discussed in closed sessions, as outlined in the General Statutes.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2025
Ultimately, the proposal outlines the committee’s success metrics as: achieving a 20% budget reduction, shifting between 5% to 10% of expenses to non-levy sources and streamlining more than 20 processes.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
These are the outlines of India’s major international activities over the past decade or more.
—Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025
The Journal reported that Trump's note featured typewritten text surrounded by the outline of a naked woman, complete with Trump's signature below the woman's waist, which appeared to mimic pubic hair.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for outline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outline
Verb
-
The problem often traces back to the early days when founders were focused on building rather than documenting—but those shortcuts become expensive roadblocks when buyers start their due diligence, which ideally begins at the onset of exit negotiations.—
Keegan Caldwell,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Rise and fall The Eastman Kodak Company incorporated in 1892, but the company traces its roots back to 1879, when George Eastman obtained hist first patent for a plate-coating machine.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The monthly jobs report, the first major economic record released to summarize the month prior, relies on two separate surveys, the Current Employment Statistics program and the Current Population Survey.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The narrative might be summarized like this: supernatural Taylor Swift-type kills evil spirits while struggling with her own inner demons.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This bootcut pair by Levi’s has a high-rise silhouette made from a soft yet stretchy fabric blend that’s classic and comfortable.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The glasses feature a classic square silhouette and are built for comfort and longevity.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
-
These models generate text, code, images and summaries.—
Naren Narendran,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
And over time a cadre of chefs have learned to use these riches in a way that distinctly defines the city’s cuisine.—
Pervaiz Shallwani,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Both stylists say to define curls using a curl cream and a diffuser.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This included a deep plane facelift and deep neck contouring to restore youthful contours, work on her lower eyelids to brighten her eyes, a brow lift to open up her upper face, and laser treatment around her mouth to smooth fine lines.—
Hedy Phillips,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
In that context, the compression can enhance healing by reducing swelling, thereby improving contour.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The final home ever designed by Donald Wexler has hit the market for $6.6 million, more than a decade after it was sketched.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
14 Aug. 2025
-
In 2019, American painter Jamie Wyeth discovered a cache of drawings that his late wife had stashed away after a 1976 exhibition in which Wyeth and Warhol each showed drawings of one another; the two unlikely friends had sketched each other for years.—
Brendan Ruberry,
semafor.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Outline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outline. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share