sketch 1 of 2

noun

ˈskech How to pronounce sketch (audio)
Definition of sketchnext
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

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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

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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

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2
as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words briefly sketched the intent of the reorganization plan

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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 sketch
Noun
Beyond the photographs and maps, most volumes contain sketches by amateur artists to convey information about life under Nazi occupation. — Jennifer Rich, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 But even just this bare mathematical sketch of a proof was an enormous undertaking, encompassing thousands of pages. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, and other tech heavyweights have collaborated to sketch a new electrical architecture for them, with a different kind of transformer facing the grid, and a small industry has formed to build it. — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Darman sketched out on paper a comparison of all the advantages and disadvantages of continuing to work at the Post while writing books, versus moving to TV. — Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sketch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sketch
  1. drawing
  2. portrait
  3. trace
  4. describe
  5. illustration
  6. description
  7. outline
  8. portray
Noun
  • That isn’t unusual for someone who draws and paints every day — but this latest dirt is real, dug from the ground in Yorkshire and Warwickshire, England, and used as the medium for her drawings of trees and landscapes.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • While Schwartz retells classic folklore tales with humor and goosebumps in equal measure, Gammell’s powerful drawings nudge children wordlessly toward the ghoulish.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of drawing
Noun
  • But whether a matter of intention or circumstance, what emerges in place of star power is a more intimate portrait of Perry and his decadeslong struggle with substance abuse, leading to his death from a ketamine overdose in the fall of 2023.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • This is a portrait, ballpoint pen on notebook paper, of a woman existing somewhere on Planet Earth.
    — Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of portrait
Verb
  • The country’s storied motorsport lineage can be traced to 1963, when Formula 1 originally added a Grand Prix in Mexico’s capital.
    — Alan Chazaro, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Difficulties in tracing their origin could result in 60% of these growers being excluded from the European market, ODI Global estimated.
    — Damian Zane, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of trace
Verb
  • Cargo aircraft for remote routes Aviern’s website describes an aircraft called the A600, designed to carry 600 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In a report submitted to the city by FSMY Architects + Planners, the design firm describes the tower as creating a distinctive silhouette within the downtown skyline.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of describe
Noun
  • IllustratorMagic generates the text, illustrations, and page layouts, producing a complete book rather than separate images that require manual assembly.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2026
  • An illustration shows the life-size bronze sculpture of dueling film critics Gene Siskel, left, and Roger Ebert that will soon be unveiled at the One Two Pru office complex near Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile.
    — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Andreatta has disputed descriptions of the exchange as an altercation, saying the conversation ended with a handshake.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Their description of condensates doesn’t rule out earlier theories of spider silk formation.
    — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of description
Verb
  • In a separate interview, Sundwall homed in on cars and economic impact, outlining efficiency honed through the methods of private business, as well as total spending transparency.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Nvidia's most recent quarterly financial filing in August outlined over $500 billion in off-balance-sheet commitments over the coming years, with a majority maturing through fiscal 2029.
    — Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of outline
Verb
  • Beckman portrayed the first lady's work on the ceasefire as an extension of her efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families after they were separated by Russia's war against Ukraine.
    — BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Pundits continue to portray the Taiwan Strait as the world’s most dangerous flashpoint; the summit’s agenda suggested otherwise.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of portray

Browse Nearby Words

skeptics
sketch
sketched
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Cite this Entry

“Sketch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sketch. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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