1
as in to trace
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 to summarize
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
1
as in silhouette
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface
place your hand on the paper and draw an outline around it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in summary
a short statement of the main points
a printed outline of the lecture has been made available for all attendees
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 outline
Liza Weisstuch, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
The study outlines a framework that explains the content's journey from creation to circulation.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
The camera then cut to an outline of the design — a swimsuit bottom and bikini top hanging from a clothes line that extends into the number 25.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for outline
Verb
The origins of seltzer Brooklyn Seltzer Boys, a fourth-generation-run business, is part of a 2,500-year-long history that’s outlined on plaques at the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum, housed at the front of the space.
—Liza Weisstuch, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
The study outlines a framework that explains the content's journey from creation to circulation.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Noun
The green dotted outlines on the image at right show the rough locations where Bernet and his team found dark matter spirals in simulated galaxies like the Milky Way—in part of the halo above and below the spiral arms.
—Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
The camera then cut to an outline of the design — a swimsuit bottom and bikini top hanging from a clothes line that extends into the number 25.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for outline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outline
Verb
-
This example also shows how the wheel’s evolution, much like its iconic shape, traces a circuitous path – one with no clear beginning, no end, and countless quiet revolutions along the way.—
Kai James,
The Conversation,
11 June 2025
-
The latter split into at least three sub-lineages whose movements have been traced in South America, but scientists have not yet ascertained when the first people would have moved from Central America to South America.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
Lawyers are already using AI to analyze evidence, summarize witness testimony, and conduct legal research.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
-
The women’s lawyers then issued a press release on Jan. 31, summarizing the claims.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
On the market now are reinvigorated colors, silhouettes, and details that challenge what a classic polka dot can be.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
3 June 2025
-
The pretty and prismatic coupes are always party-ready thanks to their classic silhouette and statement-making colorways.—
Maria Conti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot. Updated 11:30 a.m. June 3, 2025: Because the bill’s summary was not updated to reflect legislative changes, this story originally misreported the final language of House Bill 1146.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
3 June 2025
-
This was the 21st flight for the first stage, including 13 prior Starlink missions, according to a flight summary on SpaceX's website.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
His music is also a way for parents to connect with the club vibe that, for many, defined their pre-child years.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
13 June 2025
-
The edges of the mole are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.—
Sarah Jividen,
Health,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
But a century and a half later, the contours of my own seemingly instinctual reactions to the French—alternating beguilement and dismay—fit over Twain’s with the precision of a cut-paper silhouette.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2025
-
Due to a change in methodology, some contours are not cropped along the U.S. coastline.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Customarily, Marta Martino sketches foundational ideas and key influences of the shapes or design elements on which a collection will be based.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
The second exercise is to sketch out your ideal life in one year's, five years' and 10 years' time.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Outline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outline. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share