Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

outline

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of outline

1 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 of outline

contour, figure, silhouette
Words Related to outline

delineation, sketch

profile, skyline

cast, configuration, conformation, form, geometry, shape

framework, skeleton
2 a short statement of the main points
  • a printed outline of the lecture has been made available for all attendees
Synonyms of outline

abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé (or resume), roundup, run-through, rundown, sum, sum-up, summa, summarization, summary, summing-up, synopsis, wrap-up
Words Related to outline

abbreviation, abridgment (or abridgement), compend, compendium, condensation, curtailment, shortening

simplification, streamlining

rehash, reprise

conclusion, epilogue (also epilog)
Near Antonyms of outline

amplification, enlargement, expansion

addendum, supplement

Synonym Discussion of outline

outline, contour, profile, silhouette 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
contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.
    • a car with flowing contours
profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.
    • a portrait of her face in profile
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

outline

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of outline

1 to draw or make apparent the outline of
  • she carefully outlined the tree before she started drawing in the leaves
Synonyms of outline

define, delineate, silhouette, sketch, trace
Words Related to outline

line

bound, fringe, margin, skirt

edge, hem, rim, trim

frame

circle, compass, encircle, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround

chart, diagram, draw, map (out)
2 to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
  • outlined the important points in the introduction
Synonyms of outline

abstract, boil down, brief, digest, encapsulate, epitomize, recap, recapitulate, reprise, sum up, summarize, synopsize, wrap up
Words Related to outline

abridge, condense, curtail, cut back, shorten

downsize, shrink

concentrate, consolidate

decoct, essentialize

simplify, streamline
Near Antonyms of outline

elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract

amplify, elaborate (on or upon), enlarge (on or upon), expand, supplement

Learn More about outline

  1. See words that rhyme with outline Dictionary: Definition of outline Spanish Central: Translation of outline Nglish: Translation of outline for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of outline for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up outline? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

apposite

Listen to the pronounciation of apposite

highly pertinent or appropriate

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. folderol Rees-Mogg dismisses Brexit changes

  2. reticent Mueller's team hesitant to testify

  3. codify Dem candidates call to protect Roe v. Wade

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games