outline

[out-lahyn] / ˈaʊtˌlaɪn /

NOUN

plan, sketch

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blueprint draft drawing framework summary synopsis

STRONG

diagram frame layout recapitulation rundown skeleton tracing

WEAK

bare facts floor plan ground plan main features rough draft rough idea résumé thumbnail sketch

Antonyms

WEAK

inside

NOUN

form, tracing of an object

Synonyms

STRONGEST

configuration contour shape

STRONG

conformation delineation figuration figure profile silhouette

Antonyms

WEAK

inside

VERB

sketch out; plan

Synonyms

STRONGEST

delineate describe draft lay out summarize

STRONG

adumbrate characterize chart paint plot recapitulate skeleton trace

WEAK

block out rough out skeletonize tell about

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To that end, the book outlines ways to determine which values are most important to you.

From The Wall Street Journal

I don’t want to sum up the year, outline hopes for 2026, predict or warn.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now the latest dig has provided a major clue: the outline of what could possibly be a small building.

From BBC

Companies are outlining their 2026 plans—and hiring isn’t one of them.

From The Wall Street Journal

China outlined its position ahead of the UN Security Council holding an emergency session to discuss Israel's decision.

From BBC