Synonyms of outlines

outlines 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of outline

1

as in traces

to draw or make apparent the outline of

she carefully outlined the tree before she started drawing in the leaves

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traces
• defines
• sketches
• delineates
• lines
• silhouettes
• circles
• surrounds
• trims
• rounds
• margins
• edges
• frames
• draws
• bounds
• charts
• diagrams
• maps (out)
• rings
• fringes
• encircles
• rims
• loops
• skirts
• hems
• girths
• girdles
• compasses

2

as in summarizes

to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)

outlined the important points in the introduction

Synonyms & Similar Words

• summarizes
• recapitulates
• encapsulates
• reprises
• briefs
• sums up
• consolidates
• epitomizes
• digests
• recaps
• boils down
• synopsizes
• wraps up
• abstracts
• condenses
• shortens
• curtails
• abridges
• simplifies
• shrinks
• cuts back
• downsizes
• streamlines
• concentrates
• essentializes
• decocts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extends
• lengthens
• prolongs
• elongates
• expands
• supplements
• amplifies
• protracts
• elaborates (on or upon)
• enlarges (on or upon)

outlines

2 of 2

noun

plural of outline

1

as in contours

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

• contours
• figures
• shapes
• silhouettes
• sketches
• forms
• skylines
• profiles
• geometries
• casts
• frameworks
• delineations
• skeletons
• configurations
• conformations

2

as in summaries

a short statement of the main points

a printed outline of the lecture has been made available for all attendees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• summaries
• summae
• summarizations
• synopses
• recapitulations
• précis
• recaps
• briefs
• digests
• sums
• résumés
• abstracts
• rundowns
• encapsulations
• inventories
• summings-up
• roundups
• conspectuses
• breviaries
• sum-ups
• capsules
• epitomes
• run-throughs
• abbreviations
• wrap-ups
• condensations
• compendiums
• compends
• abridgments
• reprises
• rehashes
• curtailments
• simplifications
• shortenings
• conclusions
• epilogues

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expansions
• enlargements
• supplements
• amplifications
• addenda

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outlines

Verb

The article outlines seven types of these micro-bursts, including emotional regulation, cognitive reframing, and decision support. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

The foundation outlines four levels of regenerative design—soil, ecosystems, ways of being and connection to place—offering actionable strategies to address each. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 10 July 2026

The transition plan outlines the city’s ongoing projects to ensure ADA access to city properties and pedestrian thoroughfares, according to a press release from the city of Geneva. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

In the Tahoe Basin, the Caldor fire restoration plan outlines roughly 3,600 acres where the Forest Service could use ground crews to apply herbicide directly to shrubs — no aerial spraying. — Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

The proposal, which will likely be finalized later this year, outlines a set of factors for employers to consider before approving investments. — Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 8 July 2026

And beginning this month, every family enrolled in a public school will receive a water safety packet that outlines drowning prevention strategies and the importance of formal swim instruction. — Veronica Almedina, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026

Rather, the department outlines a checklist developers must complete to get a stamp of recommendation from city staffers before going before the Commission. — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026

The law outlines an appeals process and allows for people on the registry to apply for expungement after three years. — Matthew Kelly july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Noun

Based on the size of the trenches and these outlines, hundreds of people could be buried there, according to CNN’s analysis of the photos. — Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

The giant birthday card also featured the girls' signatures and outlines of their footprints in white paint. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 21 June 2026

Throw in high steal rates the past two seasons in a solid conference, solid defensive work overall, plus-rebounding for his position and his ability to get free points in transition, and the outlines of a role-playing wing are there. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Studio executives are reportedly considering developing a script out of one of the two outlines with which they’ve been presented. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026

But we’re told they’ve been presented with two outlines and will commission one script from there. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 June 2026

The statues' graceful outlines and cascading folds of clothes all radiate elegant simplicity. — Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 11 June 2026

While talks are ongoing with key details still to be worked out, the outlines of a deal include Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and letting ships pass without paying tolls, sources told Axios. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 May 2026

Each panel is made of a flax-linen blend with delicate floral outlines of blooms and leaves. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 23 May 2026