Synonyms of outline

outline 1 of 2

verb

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

• trace
• define
• sketch
• delineate
• circle
• silhouette
• trim
• round
• surround
• line
• bound
• margin
• frame
• draw
• fringe
• chart
• loop
• edge
• rim
• hem
• skirt
• ring
• encircle
• diagram
• map (out)
• compass
• girdle
• girth

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

• summarize
• abstract
• recapitulate
• brief
• recap
• encapsulate
• digest
• sum up
• consolidate
• boil down
• wrap up
• synopsize
• reprise
• epitomize
• condense
• shorten
• curtail
• abridge
• cut back
• simplify
• shrink
• downsize
• streamline
• concentrate
• essentialize
• decoct

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extend
• elongate
• lengthen
• prolong
• expand
• supplement
• elaborate (on or upon)
• enlarge (on or upon)
• amplify
• protract

outline

2 of 2

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlīn 

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

• silhouette
• contour
• shape
• figure
• sketch
• framework
• profile
• form
• skeleton
• geometry
• delineation
• configuration
• cast
• skyline
• conformation

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

• summary
• synopsis
• brief
• rundown
• recap
• summa
• résumé
• précis
• summarization
• recapitulation
• sum-up
• inventory
• encapsulation
• abstract
• digest
• summing-up
• run-through
• roundup
• conspectus
• sum
• capsule
• breviary
• epitome
• wrap-up
• compendium
• shortening
• abbreviation
• curtailment
• abridgment
• simplification
• streamlining
• condensation
• compend
• rehash
• reprise
• epilogue
• conclusion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expansion
• enlargement
• amplification
• supplement
• addendum

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

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

Recent Examples of outline

Verb

Use a garden hose to outline the shape, placing the shrubs at the back and bringing the bed out at least 5 feet in front. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026

The document that guides future care A letter of intent is a non-legal document that outlines a parent’s wishes, routines and guidance for future caregivers and trustees of a child with special needs. —Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026

Noun

The outlines of an agreement began to emerge Friday that would provide Iran with a major strategic victory. —Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

However, if there’s an eastern-moving current around the hexagon’s outline, roughly moving at 360 km/hr (220 mph), then when that current interacts with airflow at more equatorial latitudes, a six-sided, hexagonal pattern does indeed emerge. —Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026