outline 1 of 2

Definition of outlinenext

outline

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun outline differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outline are contour, profile, and silhouette. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When might contour be a better fit than outline?

The meanings of contour and outline largely overlap; however, contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.

a car with flowing contours

When can profile be used instead of outline?

In some situations, the words profile and outline are roughly equivalent. However, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

When is it sensible to use silhouette instead of outline?

The synonyms silhouette and outline are sometimes interchangeable, but silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined.

photograph in silhouette against a bright sky

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
Verb
The instructor was preoccupied less with physical training and more with ideas like situational awareness, outlining an approach to safety that began long before a physical threat ever arrived. Literary Hub, 30 June 2026 The minister has written to Paramount and WBD to outline her position. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Noun
Together, the plans outline projects involving highways, bridges, rail, ports and transit systems. Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 28 June 2026 There wasn’t a full script, there was an outline. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outline
Verb
  • Origins of the phrase can be traced back to a May interview with Efraín Juárez, who led Pumas UNAM to the Liga MX Clausura final.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Mizuho Americas analyst Dan Dolev told the Journal that the majority of these cuts probably trace to a post-pandemic hiring correction rather than AI itself.
    Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Large language models can summarize sentiment, identify recurring themes and use guest feedback to shape recommendations.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Why Lawrence, Kansas ranks high The article goes into the history of Lawrence, summarizing the establishment of the town by abolitionists, political violence, and being a stop for the Underground Railroad.
    Emily Harter, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • This adorable eyelet style features a V-neck collar, ruffled details, and a flattering A-line silhouette that looks great on a range of different body types.
    Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • The key to modernizing the pinkish-orange color in 2026 is to wear it in loose, easy silhouettes.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Although the court livestreams the audio of oral arguments, that’s not the case for the summaries the justices give of their opinions.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The three liberal justices dissented as to the Equal Protection Clause, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor read a summary of her dissent from the bench.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Victor Willis, Village People’s lead singer, dies Victor Willis, lead singer of the Village People who helped define the disco movement of the 1970s, died June 30.
    Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • These will ensure that your skin stays moisturized all day and that your contour won’t slip, pill, or smudge.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 June 2026
  • It can be used as a concealer, contour, or foundation, has medium coverage, is pore-blurring, texture-smoothing, and imperfection-camouflaging.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • According to Minerva, creating these luxurious sets starts with sketching the signature swirling line work in black.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • Answers will be revealed and futures will be sketched out during this weekend’s ceremony.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outline. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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