as in summary
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning
a thumbnail outline of the plot of the novel
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Recent Examples of thumbnail
Between the two fences that separate Reggie’s enclosure from the public is a sign with the thumbnail version of his remarkable journey to the Los Angeles Zoo 15 years ago today.
—
Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2022
What follows is a thumbnail survey of prison museums throughout the United States, selected for their geographic spread; some are widely known, while others are small gems that deserve a closer look.
—Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2022
So the thumbnail version that gets repeated is that the concept of telework was invented by a guy called Jack Nilles, who was a NASA engineer who’s actually still alive.
—The Politics Of Everything, The New Republic, 13 Jan. 2021
Click on the thumbnail image to see what that looks like.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2018
See All Example Sentences for thumbnail
Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2022
What follows is a thumbnail survey of prison museums throughout the United States, selected for their geographic spread; some are widely known, while others are small gems that deserve a closer look.
—Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2022
So the thumbnail version that gets repeated is that the concept of telework was invented by a guy called Jack Nilles, who was a NASA engineer who’s actually still alive.
—The Politics Of Everything, The New Republic, 13 Jan. 2021
Click on the thumbnail image to see what that looks like.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2018
See All Example Sentences for thumbnail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumbnail
Adjective
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Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.—
Mary Ellen O'Connell,
The Conversation,
4 Sep. 2025
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Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.—
Yossi Melman,
ProPublica,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Aim for clear headlines and concise notes, and agree on timelines to ensure your reputation reflects focus and reliability.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
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Get concise answers to your questions.—
Michael E. Ruane,
Washington Post,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press ahead of talks in Ankara with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Anand stressed Canada's priority was the de-escalation of the conflict and the protection of civilians.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Mar. 2026
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For a brief moment, under pressure from progressive politicians and activist groups, even parts of the KGB archives were opened to the public.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thumbnail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbnail. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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