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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 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
-
Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.—
Mary Ellen O'Connell,
The Conversation,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.—
Yossi Melman,
ProPublica,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The company is also upgrading a proofreading option for checking grammar and making messages more concise.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Just across the street, Miya is a quirky, two-room Thai charmer with a relatively concise menu of curries, noodles, soups, salads and vegetables.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Stanley later issued a brief video statement on YouTube.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The extended Marty Supreme ensemble is full of such quirky picks and unexpected brief cameos from the likes of fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, illusionist Penn Jillette, and New Yorker writer Naomi Fry.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thumbnail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbnail. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
