as in outline
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface a car with flowing contours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun contour differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contour are outline, profile, and silhouette. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.

a car with flowing contours

In what contexts can outline take the place of contour?

The meanings of outline and contour largely overlap; however, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When might profile be a better fit than contour?

Although the words profile and contour have much in common, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

Where would silhouette be a reasonable alternative to contour?

The words silhouette and contour are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined.

photograph in silhouette against a bright sky

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 contour Shapiro over a career spanning six decades explored figuration and abstraction, reshaping the contours of their overlap. News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2025 Under Boulos’s direction, State Department diplomats have been working up a deal, and its contours have emerged: Rwanda would have to withdraw its troops from Congo completely while the M23 would withdraw to a small area north of Goma. Joshua Z. Walker, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 Putin said Russia would draft a memorandum setting out the broad contours of a possible peace accord and only then discuss a ceasefire. Vladimir Soldatkin, USA Today, 3 June 2025 Set primarily in Jacksonville, Moniz’s stories trace the contours of her characters’ inner lives, including private pains and unspeakable secrets, showing us ordinary people with extraordinary things broiling just beneath the surface. Grace Flahive june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contour
Noun
  • The president did not detail specific asks or outline how negotiations could proceed following the U.S. strikes.
    Jesse Byrnes, The Hill, 22 June 2025
  • The Athletic reported in March that Silver would pitch the NBA Board of Governors with the outline of a plan to launch a new pro basketball league in Europe within the next couple of years.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • With its satin sheen and one-shoulder silhouette, the Prettygarden Maxi Dress is ready for weddings, rooftop dinners, or any event that calls for a bit more glam.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
  • This summer, in particular, Swift seems to have reverted back to classic, feminine silhouettes and approachable styling after dabbling with a bit of logo-mania during the 2024-2025 football season.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contour. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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