Synonyms of sketch

sketch 1 of 2

noun

ˈskech 

1

as in drawing

a picture using lines to represent the chief features of an object or scene

made a quick sketch from which she would create a more detailed painting later

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drawing
• portrait
• illustration
• depiction
• image
• cartoon
• outline
• delineation
• representation
• caricature
• contour
• silhouette
• watercolor
• doodle
• engraving
• likeness
• etching
• figure
• blueprint
• charcoal
• pastel
• etch
• line drawing
• aquatint

2

as in portrait

a vivid representation in words of someone or something

gave her boss quick sketches of the personalities of the clients he was about to meet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• portrait
• description
• depiction
• portrayal
• picture
• definition
• rendering
• tale
• vignette
• delineation
• illustration
• portraiture
• account
• narrative
• report
• story
• chronicle
• anecdote
• explanation
• demonstration
• yarn
• clarification
• exposition
• exemplification
• explication
• elucidation

sketch

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to trace

to draw or make apparent the outline of

sketched the garden pavilion on a pad of paper so the homeowners would have a rough idea of how it was going to look

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in to describe

to give a representation or account of in words

briefly sketched the intent of the reorganization plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• describe
• portray
• depict
• paint
• set out
• image
• render
• picture
• draw
• illustrate
• outline
• characterize
• delineate
• recount
• define
• show
• limn
• summarize
• represent
• report
• display
• relate
• tell
• exhibit
• demonstrate
• label
• trace
• recite
• suggest
• narrate
• qualify
• hint
• rehearse
• silhouette
• draft
• vignette
• sum up
• touch off
• redescribe
• reimage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• color
• distort
• twist
• falsify
• misrepresent
• pervert
• warp
• misstate
• misdescribe
• garble

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sketch

Noun

In this phase, there is little to show beyond sketches and descriptions. —Jeff Mahler, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Initial sketches suggest a bridge assembled with enormous, jutting boulders. —Miles Socha, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025

Verb

Senate keeps options open on reconciliation The extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts is in the hands of the Senate now as the upper chamber weighs the House budget resolution that sketches out $4.5 trillion in revenue cuts along with $1.5 to $2 trillion in spending cuts. —Aris Folley, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025

My own writing since then has sketched out some of the consequences of its fiscal crisis for operations and provided a history of the budget plans and projections that its leadership has supplied to its trustees and, by extension, to the ratings agencies. —Clifford Ando, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025