profile 1 of 2

Definition of profilenext

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
Swap sharp Cheddar for pepper Jack, Colby, or a mix for a different flavor profile. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025 Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
Their relationship was first profiled in a 2008 documentary of the same name, before their trials and tribulations were adapted for the December 2025 movie, directed by Craig Brewer. Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 This is not my first time profiling Arnett. Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile
Noun
  • Deep plane facelifts reposition deeper facial layers to restore contour and balance.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Softer mattresses contour to your body, while firmer mattresses lift the body just off the surface.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the three-step plan for what comes next for Venezuela on Wednesday.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • During their first year, president typically address a joint session of Congress early on in their tenure to outline a vision or agenda, before delivering State of the Union addresses to lawmakers in subsequent years.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • About Modern Work Spaces Hackl says that efficient workflows are still the primary goal, but the concept has changed in a way that blurs the lines of the classic three-sided shape.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The brand notes that, thanks to durable materials, the mat will retain its shape, color, and absorbency for more than 100 washes — that’s up to 2 years of weekly washes.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The actor, who appeared as a regular on the CBS western series from 1965 to ’67, died on December 18 in Morro Bay, California, according to an online obituary.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Every several days, The Baltimore Sun has an obituary of someone, usually a woman, who has lived to be more than 100.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • He was tagged and pictured holding a skull on the group page, ABC 6 reported.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Under the same Instagram handle, the woman is pictured on the sideline at a Chiefs home game with Rice, who is holding a child in the photo.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Fault geometry, stress from nearby fault systems and the movement of fluids can all interact in complex ways.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Ahead of their January 2026 wedding, Folloder, who is a high school geometry teacher and football coach, enlisted his fiancée’s preschool class to help celebrate the special occasion.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Idaho has history of laws targeting trans people Over the past several years, the Idaho Legislature and lawmakers across the country have passed a series of bills targeting transgender youth and adults, several of which are now being litigated.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Trump’s words and actions now have observers reaching for the history books.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This configuration helps maintain balance and control during interception.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Many speaker cables come in bulk forms, which allow the user to cut the length of wire and keep more cable to spare for future needs, unique layouts and configurations.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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