Synonyms of outline

outline 1 of 2

verb

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

• trace
• define
• sketch
• delineate
• circle
• silhouette
• trim
• round
• surround
• line
• bound
• margin
• frame
• draw
• fringe
• chart
• loop
• edge
• rim
• hem
• skirt
• ring
• encircle
• diagram
• map (out)
• compass
• girdle
• girth

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

• summarize
• abstract
• recapitulate
• brief
• recap
• encapsulate
• digest
• sum up
• consolidate
• boil down
• wrap up
• synopsize
• reprise
• epitomize
• condense
• shorten
• curtail
• abridge
• cut back
• simplify
• shrink
• downsize
• streamline
• concentrate
• essentialize
• decoct

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extend
• elongate
• lengthen
• prolong
• expand
• supplement
• elaborate (on or upon)
• enlarge (on or upon)
• amplify
• protract

outline

2 of 2

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlīn 

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

• silhouette
• contour
• shape
• figure
• sketch
• framework
• profile
• form
• skeleton
• geometry
• delineation
• configuration
• cast
• skyline
• conformation

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

• summary
• synopsis
• brief
• rundown
• recap
• summa
• résumé
• précis
• summarization
• recapitulation
• sum-up
• inventory
• encapsulation
• abstract
• digest
• summing-up
• run-through
• roundup
• conspectus
• sum
• capsule
• breviary
• epitome
• wrap-up
• compendium
• shortening
• abbreviation
• curtailment
• abridgment
• simplification
• streamlining
• condensation
• compend
• rehash
• reprise
• epilogue
• conclusion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expansion
• enlargement
• amplification
• supplement
• addendum

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun outline differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outline are contour, profile, and silhouette. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When might contour be a better fit than outline?

The meanings of contour and outline largely overlap; however, contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.

a car with flowing contours

When can profile be used instead of outline?

In some situations, the words profile and outline are roughly equivalent. However, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

When is it sensible to use silhouette instead of outline?

The synonyms silhouette and outline are sometimes interchangeable, but silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined.

photograph in silhouette against a bright sky

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outline

Verb

The states’ case hinges on whether a judge will accept the market definitions outlined in their lawsuit, Garcia and other analysts said. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Filicetti filed dozens of pages of court filings over the past 24 hours, outlining his theory in the hope of reducing his client’s $2 million bond. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026

Noun

The cover over the logo was cut precisely in the outline of the Levi’s logo – leaving no doubt what the tarp was hiding. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

In the document, police outline which types of property should be stored and which types should be thrown away in the course of an encampment sweep. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026