1
as in tracing
to draw or make apparent the outline of
she carefully outlined the tree before she started drawing in the leaves
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in summarizing
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
outlined the important points in the introduction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outlining
The Bureau of Reclamation last week made public a 1,600-page behemoth of a document outlining five potential plans for managing the river after current regulations expire at the end of this year.
—
Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
In July and August, three draft decisions were issued by the Regulatory Authority outlining a strong PBR framework.
—Will Taylor, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026
The white bulbs outlining the glass give this a classic vanity mirror vibe that would elevate any room.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 12 Jan. 2026
The Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum and Independent Community Bankers of America issued a joint statement outlining the negative consequences.
—Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
For example, certain medical and evacuation benefits available via the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card don’t apply for travel to Vietnam, according to a website outlining the card’s benefits.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
On this week’s episode of Good One, Gethard — whose latest special, A Father and the Sun, debuted this past September — expounds on these ideas by outlining what pursuing a creative career used to look like, where things went wrong, and where artists must go from here.
—Chris Gethard, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Even the simplest design details, like a red smile line hugging a tortoiseshell French tip, or a lipstick-red border outlining each nail, can make a bold statement.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
While the easiest way to catch both the ceremony and red carpet online for free is through DirecTV’s five-day trial, The Hollywood Reporter is further outlining each streaming option ahead.
—Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
In July and August, three draft decisions were issued by the Regulatory Authority outlining a strong PBR framework.
—Will Taylor, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026
The white bulbs outlining the glass give this a classic vanity mirror vibe that would elevate any room.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 12 Jan. 2026
The Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum and Independent Community Bankers of America issued a joint statement outlining the negative consequences.
—Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
For example, certain medical and evacuation benefits available via the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card don’t apply for travel to Vietnam, according to a website outlining the card’s benefits.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
On this week’s episode of Good One, Gethard — whose latest special, A Father and the Sun, debuted this past September — expounds on these ideas by outlining what pursuing a creative career used to look like, where things went wrong, and where artists must go from here.
—Chris Gethard, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Even the simplest design details, like a red smile line hugging a tortoiseshell French tip, or a lipstick-red border outlining each nail, can make a bold statement.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
While the easiest way to catch both the ceremony and red carpet online for free is through DirecTV’s five-day trial, The Hollywood Reporter is further outlining each streaming option ahead.
—Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlining
Verb
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Directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the two-part documentary explores the fascinating, hilarious, and often heartbreaking life story of one of Hollywood’s most daring satirists, tracing how laughter became Brooks’ lifelong survival tool.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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The newest Paul McCartney documentary takes fans on a ride of his creative rebirth in the years following the breakup of The Beatles, tracing his transition from one of the most famous musicians in the world to an artist rebuilding himself on his own terms.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In the days leading up to his sentencing hearing, Harris penned a letter to Judge White, summarizing his life as a tale of obstacles overcome, traumatic experiences and regret.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
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However, the application must only include a 500-word description of the idea and an informal video that is no longer than three minutes summarizing the idea.—
Angela George,
Sioux Falls Argus Leader,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This could be defining a commitment, repairing trusg or realizing someone has quietly been showing up for you all along.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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Sound control has also become a defining feature.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outlining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlining. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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