OUTLINE Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

outline 1 of 2

verb

Definition of outline next

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

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

outline

2 of 2

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlīn

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

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

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

Examples 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

Williams recently delivered a binder of documents outlining his proposals to City Council President Mary Sheffield and provided a copy to BridgeDetroit. —

Malachi Barrett, Detroit Free Press, 26 Nov. 2024 The transition plan outlines 10 years of payments of $16.2 million annually for Pueblo County. —

Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2024

Noun

Fleece oversized hoodie: $158 Go classic and simple with an oversized fleece hoodie featuring a Mickey outline. —

Christopher Murray, Fox News, 23 Nov. 2024 Though the bear still greeted newcomers, the restaurant’s windows were empty, accompanied by unpainted outlines of whiskey barrels on the walls after the smokehouse posted on Facebook Wednesday that anyone interested in buying the restaurant’s decor should stop by Thursday and Friday. —

Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outline

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outline

Verb

The company’s origins can be traced back to the Swallow Sidecar Company, which diversified into autos, eventually becoming SS cars in 1934.

Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 26 Nov. 2024
Though the beginnings of the Magnolia enterprise can be traced back 20 years to Joanna’s Waco home store and Chip’s local real estate operation, Fixer Upper is where many first met the Gaineses.

Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 26 Nov. 2024