PROFILE Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'profile' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of profile are contour , outline , and silhouette . While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background. // a portrait of her face in profile

Q: Where would 'contour' be a reasonable alternative to 'profile'?

The synonyms contour and profile are sometimes interchangeable, but contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled. // a car with flowing contours

Q: When might 'outline' be a better fit than 'profile'?

While the synonyms outline and profile are close in meaning, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass. // traced the outline of his hand

Q: When could 'silhouette' be used to replace 'profile'?

In some situations, the words silhouette and profile are roughly equivalent. However, 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

profile 1 of 2

noun

Definition of profile

as in contour

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in character sketch

Related Words

profile

2 of 2

verb

as in to outline

to produce a representation of the shape of the head as seen from the side his likeness was profiled against a background of vegetation

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun profile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of profile are contour, outline, and silhouette. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

Where would contour be a reasonable alternative to profile?

The synonyms contour and profile are sometimes interchangeable, but contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.

a car with flowing contours

When might outline be a better fit than profile?

While the synonyms outline and profile are close in meaning, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When could silhouette be used to replace profile?

In some situations, the words silhouette and profile are roughly equivalent. However, 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 profile

Noun

Sarah Ferguson has been keeping a very low profile since disgraced ex-Prince Andrew was stripped of his titles and the two were forced to vacate Royal Lodge. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2026 According to his LinkedIn profile, Anderlik has worked at the school for just over five years. — Mick Zawislak, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Verb

Ahead of the opening of Jafa’s New Museum on September 24, New York Times critic Holland Cotter profiled the artist. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026 Several techniques are available, including profiling the user’s online activity and scanning the user’s face. — IEEE Spectrum, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile

Noun

Take Simone Ashley, for one, whose warm pink blush and glowing contour amped up her already sculptural features.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026
This lightweight serum delivers antioxidant-rich macroalgae, nourishing amino acids, and soothing blue flower linseed to the delicate eye contour area to promote smoother, firmer skin.

— Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of contour

Verb

In September 2026, Tactical outlined plans to advance metallurgical testing, permitting roadmaps, engineering work, and downstream partnerships.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
Wilhelm also outlined phone location data, Apple Watch activity, AirPods connections and a timeline leading up to Flynn's 911 call, which prosecutors are expected to revisit as the trial continues.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of outline

Noun

While moving, the cord returns to its original shape, ready to power its next leap so long as the infrared light is still shining.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
The look was elevated by Le Silla’s recognizable stiletto heel shape which flares ever so slightly.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of shape

Noun

That blow came a little less than a year after the New York Times shook up its culture desk and reassigned its classical music critic, Zachary Woolfe, to serve as the obituaries editor.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to his daughter, Lauren, who said the family did not want to participate in an obituary.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of obituary

Noun

The geometry of order The research team aimed to investigate how combining these non-standard reflection properties with an asymmetrical cavity reshapes wave dynamics.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
What's happening and when to look Exactly how close together moonrise times are depends strongly on latitude and the moon's precise orbital geometry, so there is no single Harvest Moon delay that applies everywhere.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of geometry

Noun

Scotto’s able to watch customers enjoy dishes rooted in his family’s history—including Grandma’s Potato Croquettes—while employees make money and a brand his family owns continues to grow.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Gray has a long history with the festival, having closed it with The Lost City of Z and marked its anniversary with a special screening of Armageddon Time.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of history

Browse Nearby Words

proficients

profile

profiled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of profile

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

argot

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes