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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of sketch
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
The small-batch brand’s design team guided her through its workflow—from sketch to prototype—explaining how fabric selection and finishing techniques shape each decision.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
Through this sly trick, where doorknobs rise to noses and walls tower high above the hairline, Argento sketches a vision of witchy terror akin to early works of German surrealism.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sketch
Noun
The vast majority of his sketches were lost over time, some burnt by Michelangelo himself, others destroyed by early collectors or simply during the process of his work, Christie’s said.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
The small-batch brand’s design team guided her through its workflow—from sketch to prototype—explaining how fabric selection and finishing techniques shape each decision.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
And now scientists are sketching out a clearer picture of what such a collision might look like from Earth.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
Through this sly trick, where doorknobs rise to noses and walls tower high above the hairline, Argento sketches a vision of witchy terror akin to early works of German surrealism.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sketch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sketch
Noun
-
By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.—
USA Today staff,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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These sheets of paper were then handed over to programmers who inputted the numerical values to make the pencil drawings come alive on-screen.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Written like a field research journal, Emily Wilde is a clever and charming portrait of a scientist on a journey toward discovery, hard at work in the field and stumbling toward love, all at the same time.—
Brianne Kane,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
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The finale, which focuses on a single subject (obsessed with and thus defensive of his own public nudity), comes closest to escaping a steady stream of antagonization and painting a nuanced portrait of what’s keeping a range of Americans from finding community.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Here, visitors can trace their family lineage all across North America and Europe.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
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The blurred surge, of course, traces back to K-beauty, where this finish has been popular for years.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While Indonesia is often described as one of Australia's most important neighbors, the relationship has seen periodic strains.—
NINIEK KARMINI,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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One other suspect – described as an accomplice – was also detained, the Committee said.—
CNN's Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The more the industry accelerates, the more impactful fashion illustration feels.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
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Crespi junior forward Cayman Martin epitomizes that illustration after playing junior varsity basketball his sophomore season and blossoming into one of the team’s most reliable players.—
Tarek Fattal,
Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The name and description of the suspect have not been released, and Pittsburgh police are investigating.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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City surveillance footage showed Coleman driving an ATV matching the vehicle’s description, according to the probable cause statement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Conversations focus on outlining options, trade‑offs, and longer‑term considerations in a manner that feels clear and manageable.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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Decluttering expert Katy Wells outlines the top spaces that need attention and how to organize them.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The image became a meme, repeatedly used to portray Miliband as awkward.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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Barer will portray Zoe Gutierrez, a character featured in Holly Brickley’s 2023 novel, which the film is based on.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sketch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sketch. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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