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
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 outlining
This week, Bonta joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general from mainly Democratic states submitting a comment letter to the Postal Service outlining their opposition.
—
Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
In past election cycles, candidates are given a slip of paper outlining the dual requirement.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Last week, prosecutors filed a memo in court outlining Rinderknecht's solidarity with Mangione.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Under the system, vessels intending to pass through the strait will receive guidance from an official email address outlining the rules for transit.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
The table below outlining the Opus changes was shared in the company’s blog post on the topic.
—ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
During the legislative session, Tips focused less on regulating NADOs and more on banning them, outlining some of the horror stories that have drawn media attention and contrasting how funeral services providers like herself could handle care.
—Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
In outlining their case, authorities have not said how Talley ended up possessing the gun.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
The report outlining the state’s success comes amid a rollback in federal funding and support for climate issues.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
In past election cycles, candidates are given a slip of paper outlining the dual requirement.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Last week, prosecutors filed a memo in court outlining Rinderknecht's solidarity with Mangione.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Under the system, vessels intending to pass through the strait will receive guidance from an official email address outlining the rules for transit.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
The table below outlining the Opus changes was shared in the company’s blog post on the topic.
—ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
During the legislative session, Tips focused less on regulating NADOs and more on banning them, outlining some of the horror stories that have drawn media attention and contrasting how funeral services providers like herself could handle care.
—Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
In outlining their case, authorities have not said how Talley ended up possessing the gun.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
The report outlining the state’s success comes amid a rollback in federal funding and support for climate issues.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlining
Verb
-
This captures nearly six decades of the house’s cinematic vision in more than 1,000 images, tracing the brand’s journey from its 1972 debut to 2025.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
-
May 7 Health authorities in Switzerland, Britain, the Netherlands, France, Singapore, South Africa and other countries have isolated former passengers who have already left the ship and are tracing those who may have been in contact with them.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Using all the evidence, TX Tax pulls together a report summarizing your property data, comparisons with similar homes nearby, and other pertinent details.—
Malarie Gokey,
Houston Chronicle,
1 May 2026
-
Early generative AI tools accelerated discrete tasks—drafting text, summarizing documents, writing code, or answering customer questions.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ly emphasizes that recurrence in identical locations is one of the most defining features.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
6 May 2026
-
Making a living in independent film is a defining tenet for the duo.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outlining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlining. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
