outline 1 of 2

Definition of outlinenext

outline

2 of 2

noun

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

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
Verb
The agreement outlines a 60-day ceasefire period; the strait could potentially close up again after that, or logistical concerns could arise if Tehran demands to earn traffic fees. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 During Thursday’s board meeting, Chris Ralston, SCUSD’s assistant superintendent of facilities, outlined the possibility of adding a parcel tax measure to the November ballot. Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
For three decades, Pixar has continued adding shades to the same plot outline like a child with a box of 128 crayons (or a company clinging to its billion-dollar idea). Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 Long-term restoration projects address damage caused by war, weather and looting, including the broken outline of the western side. ABC News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outline
Verb
  • The film traces a father-son relationship across several years through recurring dialogues, with the director choosing to leave the conclusion open.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026
  • The lack of confidence in the Broncos to repeat their success traces back to Bo Nix.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Could the model summarize a contract, answer a customer, support an analyst or a clinician?
    Najwa Aaraj, Fortune, 23 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the entire discipline of artificial intelligence can be summarized as the effort to recreate the intelligence of human brains in silicon machines.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • This adorable eyelet style features a V-neck collar, ruffled details, and a flattering A-line silhouette that looks great on a range of different body types.
    Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • The key to modernizing the pinkish-orange color in 2026 is to wear it in loose, easy silhouettes.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Its summary, from the title throughout, is shameless propaganda.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • As a coastal town shaped by generations of immigrants, Half Moon Bay now has a new art display that serves as a reminder of the people and stories that continue to define the community.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • In the absence of an official investigation, the incident last September has been magnified, and perhaps embellished, in the minds of veterans living on the campus, a community defined by the vulnerability of physical disability, substance use and trauma.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • One trendy treatment gaining attention is facial massage, which can help contour and define facial features.
    Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 10 June 2026
  • The foundation and contour stick are new products, and thus have amassed fewer reviews.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Within weeks of that lunch, the two were sketching out plans for a high‑performance electric sports car, and Musk soon led Tesla’s first major funding round.
    Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 24 June 2026
  • Fewer than forty contemporaneous documents referring to Vermeer have been discovered across various archives, which scholars have used to sketch out the thin shape of a life.
    Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outline. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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