Another Word for Describe: 12 Synonyms with Examples
To describe is to say what someone or something is like. Alternatives vary by how detailed, vivid or formal the account is.
As a verb: give an account of
- portray
- depict
- outline
- detail
- characterise
- report
- recount
As a verb: call or label
- call
- label
- term
- refer to
- present as
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- portray
- Represents someone or something in a particular way, often in art, film or writing.
- depict
- Shows in a picture or in vivid words.
- outline
- Gives the main points without detail.
- detail
- Gives every particular, the opposite of outline.
- characterise
- Describes the typical qualities of something.
- recount
- Tells the story of events, usually in order.
Example sentences
- portray: The film portrays the town as friendly but suspicious of strangers.
- depict: The mural depicts the harbour as it looked a century ago.
- outline: The first slide outlines the three options we considered.
- detail: Appendix B details every cost in the budget.
- characterise: Critics characterised the novel as warm but uneven.
- recount: She recounted the night of the flood in a calm voice.
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “describe”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: draw, account, trace, line, delineate, identify, discover, key, distinguish, name
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “describe”?
The most useful alternatives are “portray”, “depict”, “outline”, “detail”, “characterise”. For the main sense (give an account of), “portray” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “portray” and “depict”?
portray: Represents someone or something in a particular way, often in art, film or writing. depict: Shows in a picture or in vivid words.