as in to describe
to give a representation or account of in words
he limned the scene in the courtroom so perfectly I could practically see it
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Recent Examples of limn
Haring limned his oval head, the topknot above a receding hairline, a pair of prominent ears and eyes staring out from behind black-rimmed eyeglasses.
—
Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2023
The soft sunlight illuminates sturdy wood pews, limning swaying worshipers in white gold.
—Aj Willingham, CNN, 15 Apr. 2023
Last Summer in the City seems to limn his own life: Like Calligarich, the novel’s protagonist, Leo Gazarra, leaves Milan for Rome and a writing job, and when that job disappears, spends his summer days at the beach and his nights drifting from party to party, woman to woman.
—Vogue, 29 May 2021
Nonetheless, Democrats want to be perceived as favoring virtually universal suffrage, and to limn their conservative and Republican opposition as favoring vote suppression.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 3 Nov. 2020
See All Example Sentences for limn
Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2023
The soft sunlight illuminates sturdy wood pews, limning swaying worshipers in white gold.
—Aj Willingham, CNN, 15 Apr. 2023
Last Summer in the City seems to limn his own life: Like Calligarich, the novel’s protagonist, Leo Gazarra, leaves Milan for Rome and a writing job, and when that job disappears, spends his summer days at the beach and his nights drifting from party to party, woman to woman.
—Vogue, 29 May 2021
Nonetheless, Democrats want to be perceived as favoring virtually universal suffrage, and to limn their conservative and Republican opposition as favoring vote suppression.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 3 Nov. 2020
See All Example Sentences for limn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limn
Verb
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Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
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The differing accounts underscore a significant gap between how the US and Iran are describing the next steps in negotiations.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Advertisement ‘Talent is everything’ In April, Russia’s main TV news channel depicted Moscow State University gilded in futuristic laser lines as the presenter announced a new AI faculty, due to welcome its first cohort of 72 students in September.—
Nikita Ostrovsky,
Time,
18 June 2026
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Some examples took more direct cues—such as the collectible Egyptian Pattern bracelets and brooches similar to 1924 examples depicting hieroglyphs.—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Jones portrayed Jackson as a newcomer attempting to buy the governor’s office and highlighted his past donations to Trump critics.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
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The character is often portrayed by white actors in blackface.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Limn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limn. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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