profile 1 of 2

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

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profile

2 of 2

noun

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
Verb
While his work in lower-profile films didn’t generate much buzz, the busy actor has seen more success on the small screen. Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025 Also, top-dress with a thin layer of compost to further improve the soil profile. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
In June, 1975, just after Blass was forced into early retirement, the great New Yorker editor and writer Roger Angell profiled him for the magazine. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025 Director Mark Craig profiles the brave crew and examines the science of space exploration in this harrowing documentary. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile
Verb
  • The assessment by the Washington, DC think tank outlined how Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SCNC) had directed military and civilian officials to designate successors in the event of leadership disruption to ensure continuation in the event of war.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • OpenAI's 120-day plan In a blog post, OpenAI outlined steps to strengthen protections.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An extra help is lip pencil, which can be useful to outline the contour of the mouth and avoid smudging.
    Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Attendees learn contour drawing and collage and drawing with creativity.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Announced on stage here at Iberseries & Platino Industria in Madrid, Spain, by SkyShowtime Chief Content Officer Kai Finke (pictured), the series is another co-production with Secuoya Studios and Stellarmedia, the co-production team behind SkyShowtime original series Shades (Matices).
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mariel Mercedes never pictured herself in Washington DC, speaking about the importance of mental health services with members of Congress — a subject close to her heart.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There are hundreds of models available in all shapes, sizes, and (most frighteningly) price ranges.
    Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Passionate about utopian socialism and architecture, Gaudí’s forms and shapes were totally fresh, otherworldly and are sometimes referred to as a precursor of the Surrealist movement, of which Salvador Dalí was a key proponent.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An online obituary for Howard says he is survived by his five children, 13 grandchildren and four of his siblings.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Numerous obituaries documenting Goodall’s life and work can be found online.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Enumerative geometry no longer felt like a central, lively area of study.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 26 Sep. 2025
  • At the other extreme, Zankov turned argyle into a mix of color and geometry that reads maximalism at its best.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The tour highlights the area's history, civil rights movement and recent developments.
    Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Free to the public — with any order people want to do the crawl in also fine — the stops cover different facets of state and local history.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Bales can be laid out end-to-end to create a garden row or positioned in L-shapes, U-shapes, or other configurations.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
  • There are various other configurations that will see price increases from $20 to $70; this marks the second time Xbox console prices have increased in just six months.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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