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Definition of outline : 1. A sketch composed of such lines; the delineation of a figure without shading.
2. Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech.
3. Fig.: To sketch out or indicate as by an outline; as, to outline an argument or a campaign.
4. In art: A line drawn by pencil, pen, graver, or the like, by which the boundary of a figure is indicated.
5. The line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour.
6. To draw the outline of.

Synonyms:

sum-up, instruction, run-through, insinuate, lineation, rough out, shape, capsule, recapitulation, horizontal, mark out, rough, breviary, explanation, words, appearance, muster in, aspect, streak, scheme, rundown, analysis, boil down, dodge, draught, inventory, conspectus, diagonal, roundup, intimate, principle, imprint, describe, engrave, summarize, system, circle, encapsulate, enlist, schema, chord, specify, argument, theory, delimitate, diameter, carve, adumbrate, account, round-up, formation, sum, generalize, footprint, planned, delimit, surface, summing-up, chalk out, define, recap, curvature, wrap-up, summa, report, arc, abstraction, abbreviation, compend, gloss, strategy, draw up, interpretation, summarization, dodging, clarification, blueprint, axis, brief, line, inclined plane, compose, limn, encapsulation, mark

frame, delineation, skeleton, profile, figure, configuration, wire frame, plan, circumscribe, delineate, draft, draw, form, girth, framework, circumference, tracing

illustrate, render, ape, simulate, portray, duplicate, depict, represent, imitate, replicate

fence, rim, bound, side, limit, extremity, coast, periphery, verge, border, contour, frontier limit, precipice, fringe, brim, ring, curb, tip, perimeter, edge, margin, trace, brink, boundary, sharpness

effigy, picture, likeness, idol, analogy, metaphor, image, figurine, depiction, cast, silhouette, rendering, photograph, statue, bust, drawing, illustration, duplication, portrayal, snapshot, representation, carving, approximation, impression

precis, prospectus, abridgment, compendium, excerpt, abstract, overview, epitome, condensation, sketch, digest, summary, synopsis, resume

facsimile, approximate, miniature, metaphorical, cartoon, aping, pastiche, imitation, portrayed, rendered, replica, representative, copy, illustrative, graphic, analogous, model

Usage examples:

• I only want an outline. - "Dawn of All", Robert Hugh Benson.
• Soon after this the pilot, pointing towards the coast, said to the captain, 'There's Lunan Bay; ' and shortly afterwards he said, 'There's the Red Head; ' but it was too dark, then, to see the land, much less could the outline of the coast be distinguished. - "Narratives of Shipwrecks of the Royal Navy; between 1793 and 1849", William O. S. Gilly.
• A shadow on the blind, showing the outline of a trim little hat and fluffy hair, had sent him back into the shadows of the Pine Road to stand and shiver until the shadow left the window and the substance came out through the lighted doorway. - "The End of the Rainbow", Marian Keith.