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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Draft a concise proposal and set measurable checkpoints for a decision‑maker, because clear milestones help busy people say yes without extra clarification.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
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Clear headings, concise answers, FAQs, definitions and author information all help.—
Gilad Bechar,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The goal came on a free shot from 10 yards out that snuck under the cross bar and sent Edina into a state of euphoria and the Raiders, likely, into a brief state of shock.—
Anya Armentrout,
Twin Cities,
10 June 2026
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Not that any of this matters to Calvin Klein’s current owners, who suddenly find themselves in the middle of a boxer-brief boom.—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thumbnail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbnail. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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