Synonyms of sketch

sketch 1 of 2

noun

ˈskech 

1

as in drawing

a picture using lines to represent the chief features of an object or scene

made a quick sketch from which she would create a more detailed painting later

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drawing
• portrait
• illustration
• depiction
• image
• cartoon
• outline
• delineation
• representation
• caricature
• contour
• silhouette
• watercolor
• doodle
• engraving
• likeness
• etching
• figure
• blueprint
• charcoal
• pastel
• etch
• line drawing
• aquatint

2

as in portrait

a vivid representation in words of someone or something

gave her boss quick sketches of the personalities of the clients he was about to meet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• portrait
• description
• depiction
• portrayal
• picture
• definition
• rendering
• tale
• vignette
• delineation
• illustration
• portraiture
• account
• narrative
• report
• story
• chronicle
• anecdote
• explanation
• demonstration
• yarn
• clarification
• exposition
• exemplification
• explication
• elucidation

sketch

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to trace

to draw or make apparent the outline of

sketched the garden pavilion on a pad of paper so the homeowners would have a rough idea of how it was going to look

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trace
• outline
• define
• circle
• silhouette
• trim
• round
• delineate
• line
• bound
• surround
• draw
• frame
• margin
• loop
• fringe
• chart
• skirt
• edge
• rim
• hem
• ring
• map (out)
• diagram
• compass
• encircle
• girdle
• girth

2

as in to describe

to give a representation or account of in words

briefly sketched the intent of the reorganization plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• describe
• portray
• depict
• paint
• set out
• image
• render
• picture
• draw
• illustrate
• outline
• characterize
• delineate
• recount
• define
• show
• limn
• summarize
• represent
• report
• display
• relate
• tell
• exhibit
• demonstrate
• label
• trace
• recite
• suggest
• narrate
• qualify
• hint
• rehearse
• silhouette
• draft
• vignette
• sum up
• touch off
• redescribe
• reimage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• color
• distort
• twist
• falsify
• misrepresent
• pervert
• warp
• misstate
• misdescribe
• garble

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sketch

Noun

The actor-comedian best known for her impressions exits the NBC sketch comedy series after seven seasons. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 July 2026

In her Instagram post, Fineman reflected on the emotional highs and lows of working on the legendary sketch comedy show. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026

Verb

Designers have already sketched their answers for WWD, imagining everything from grand couture ballgowns to more unexpected takes on the singer’s bridal era. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026

According to Minerva, creating these luxurious sets starts with sketching the signature swirling line work in black. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 June 2026