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

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 bill, a key priority for the president, outlines specific regulations aimed at making a specific kind of digital currency called stablecoins more accessible and mainstream. —Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 18 July 2025

Texas law outlines several specific situations where tenants have the right to end a lease early without owing extra rent or facing legal consequences. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2025

Noun

But this outline is far more serious than White’s joking and explicit memoir, in which pleasure is always the goal. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 July 2025

Kim always keeps two thin liner brushes on hand when painting micro fruit: one with extra-long bristles (to create the outlines of your designs) and one with slightly shorter bristles (for adding tiny details). —Sophia Panych, Allure, 30 June 2025