Outline — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈau̇t-ˌlīn/ out·line

Meaning & Definition of Outline

Outline (noun)

  1. a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure, boundary
  2. shape
  3. a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading

Outline (verb)

  1. to draw the outline of
  2. to indicate the principal features or different parts of

Outline (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to draw or make apparent the outline of

    "she carefully outlined the tree before she started drawing in the leaves"

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

  2. to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)

    "outlined the important points in the introduction"

    similar: abstract, boil down, brief, digest, encapsulate, epitomize, recap, recapitulate, reprise, sum up, summarize, synopsize, wrap up
    related: abridge, condense, curtail, cut back, shorten, downsize, shrink, concentrate, consolidate, decoct, essentialize, simplify, streamline
    near: elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract, amplify, elaborate (on or upon), enlarge (on or upon), expand, supplement

Outline (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface

    "place your hand on the paper and draw an outline around it"

    similar: contour, figure, silhouette
    related: delineation, sketch, profile, skyline, cast, configuration, conformation, form, geometry, shape, framework, skeleton

  2. a short statement of the main points

    "a printed outline of the lecture has been made available for all attendees"

    similar: abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, run-through, rundown, sum, sum-up, summa, summarization, summary, summing-up, synopsis, wrap-up
    related: abbreviation, abridgment, compend, compendium, condensation, curtailment, shortening, simplification, streamlining, rehash, reprise, conclusion, epilogue
    near: amplification, enlargement, expansion, addendum, supplement

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Outline

The most common words with a similar meaning to Outline:

define, delineate, silhouette, sketch, trace, abstract, boil down, brief, digest, encapsulate, epitomize, recap, recapitulate, reprise, sum up, summarize, synopsize, wrap up, contour, figure, breviary, capsule, conspectus, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, précis, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, run-through, rundown, sum, sum-up, summa, summarization, summary, summing-up, synopsis, wrap-up

Related Words for Outline

line, bound, fringe, margin, skirt, edge, hem, rim, trim, frame, circle, compass, encircle, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround, chart, diagram, draw, map (out), abridge, condense, curtail, cut back, shorten, downsize, shrink

Near Antonyms of Outline

elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract, amplify, elaborate (on or upon), enlarge (on or upon), expand, supplement, amplification, enlargement, expansion, addendum

Word Forms of Outline

Inflections: outlined, outlining, outlines

Origin & Etymology of Outline

First known use: 1662

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Outline

Frequently Asked Questions about Outline

What does "Outline" mean?

"Outline" means a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure, boundary. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure, boundary. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Outline"?

Other words for "Outline" include define, delineate, silhouette, sketch, trace, abstract, boil down and brief. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Outline" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Outline"?

There are 99 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Outline". Common alternatives include define, delineate, silhouette, sketch, trace, abstract, boil down, brief, digest and encapsulate.

How do you use "Outline" in a sentence?

Examples of "Outline" in a sentence: "she carefully outlined the tree before she started drawing in the leaves"; "outlined the important points in the introduction"; "place your hand on the paper and draw an outline around it".

Is "Outline" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Outline" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Outline" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Outline" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Outline"?

"Outline" is pronounced /ˈau̇t-ˌlīn/ and divided into syllables as out·line.

What is the origin of the word "Outline"?

First known use: 1662.