draw
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for draw, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To create a picture using a pencil, pen, or similar tool.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use draw
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English dragan, "to drag or pull," from a Proto-Germanic root related to Latin trahere ("to pull, drag") — the same root behind "drag" and "draught."
Full origin of draw →Frequently asked questions
What does “draw” mean?
The word “draw” means to create a picture using a pencil, pen, or similar tool. In plain terms, a very flexible word covering pulling something, sketching a picture, attracting people, and ending a contest evenly.
How do you pronounce “draw”?
“Draw” is pronounced draw (/dɹɑ/ in IPA).
How do you use “draw” in a sentence?
Here is “draw” used in a sentence: “The children loved to draw pictures of animals.”
What part of speech is “draw”?
Depending on how it is used, “draw” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “draw” come from?
The word “draw” comes from Latin. From Old English dragan, "to drag or pull," from a Proto-Germanic root related to Latin trahere ("to pull, drag") — the same root behind "drag" and "draught.".
Is “draw” a common word?
“Draw” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “draw” have?
“Draw” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to create a picture using a pencil, pen, or similar tool.
What is the difference between drawing and painting?
Drawing uses lines and marks made with tools like pencils, pens, or charcoal, focusing on form, outline, and shading. Painting applies color with a brush and pigment, emphasizing color and texture. Drawing is generally about line, while painting is about color, though many finished artworks combine both.
Can drawing be learned?
Yes. Although some people have natural aptitude, drawing is a skill built through practice and careful observation. Learning to see proportion, light, and shape improves anyone's work, and techniques like contour drawing and shading can be taught. For most people, steady practice matters far more than innate talent.
What are the types of drawing?
Common types include sketching, which is quick and loose; technical drawing, which is precise and measured; life drawing, done from a live model; and illustration. The medium matters too, as pencil, ink, charcoal, and pastel each create a different look and suit different styles of work.
What is an example of drawing?
Sketching someone's face with a pencil, outlining a cartoon character in ink, or making a quick study of a landscape are all examples of drawing. Any picture created mainly with lines and marks, rather than with painted areas of color, counts as a drawing.