delineate

verb

di-ˈli-nē-ˌāt How to pronounce delineate (audio)
Definition of delineatenext
1
as in to trace
to draw or make apparent the outline of the man's roly-poly shape was softly delineated by the glow of the fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words the story does a remarkable job of delineating the emotions that immigrants feel upon their arrival in a strange country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 delineate DuPage’s practice of further delineating expenses into more specific categories infringes on the county clerk’s control over her office, Florey said. — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 More importantly, part two closes an emotional circle that the first one had just begun to delineate. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 For example, the Commonwealth has never delineated the exact interval of time between Patrick leaving the home and Clancy falling out the window. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 Affordable concrete pavers from the hardware store and gravel delineate the area. — Stephen Orr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for delineate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delineate
  1. trace
  2. describe
  3. define
  4. depict
  5. outline
  6. portray
Verb
  • The country’s storied motorsport lineage can be traced to 1963, when Formula 1 originally added a Grand Prix in Mexico’s capital.
    — Alan Chazaro, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Difficulties in tracing their origin could result in 60% of these growers being excluded from the European market, ODI Global estimated.
    — Damian Zane, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of trace
Verb
  • Companies that describe their services as sovereign without being clear about those dependencies risk accusations of sovereignty-washing.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Some puzzlers describe solving the crossword as a workout; for me, today’s was a knock-down, drag-out fistfight.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of describe
Verb
  • The strategy defines six goals that are intended to address each of the challenges alongside corresponding objectives to guide NASA’s achievements of the goals.
    — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Mega-cap companies are generally defined as those with market capitalizations exceeding $200 billion.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of define
Verb
  • Her stories depicted Irish estates, London courtships, and heroes who ranged from dashing to bumbling.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Eagles might be depicted as having prioritized playing Hurts over his health.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of depict
Verb
  • In a separate interview, Sundwall homed in on cars and economic impact, outlining efficiency honed through the methods of private business, as well as total spending transparency.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Nvidia's most recent quarterly financial filing in August outlined over $500 billion in off-balance-sheet commitments over the coming years, with a majority maturing through fiscal 2029.
    — Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of outline
Verb
  • Beckman portrayed the first lady's work on the ceasefire as an extension of her efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families after they were separated by Russia's war against Ukraine.
    — BEN FINLEY, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Pundits continue to portray the Taiwan Strait as the world’s most dangerous flashpoint; the summit’s agenda suggested otherwise.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of portray

Browse Nearby Words

delimits
delineate
delineated
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Cite this Entry

“Delineate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delineate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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