OUTLINE Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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

In June, the Commission outlined terms of the Online Streaming Act, which dictates streamers must spend 5% of their local revenues to support Canadian content. —

Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024 For those aspiring to transition from sim racing to real tracks, the Dutchman has outlined the starting steps for someone wanting to take the next steps. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Noun

And both neatly fulfill the outlines of their characters. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 In a benefits outline obtained by The Hill, the team highlighted that committee members who give $1 million or raise $2 million receive six tickets to access exclusive inaugural events between Saturday, Jan. 18, and Monday, Jan. 20, the day of the swearing-in. —

Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outline

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outline

Verb

Advanced investigation methods, and those utilizing artificial intelligence coming on the horizon, can trace transactions across wallets, mixers, and borders.

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
The dunes are an imprint that hints at the forces that sculpt the seafloor, allowing scientists to trace the transport of volcanic material after it was swept into the sea.

Ashley Balzer Vigil, Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2024