Synonyms of profile

profile 1 of 2

noun

1

as in contour

Related Words

• contour
• outline
• shape
• geometry
• configuration
• silhouette
• form
• frame
• fashion
• framework
• conformation
• organization
• cast
• shell
• figure
• plan
• design
• pattern
• skeleton
• format
• setup
• layout
• arrangement
• makeup

Dissimilar Words

• material
• composition
• matter
• substance
• stuff
• raw material

2

as in character sketch

Related Words

• character sketch
• obituary
• history
• past
• chronicle
• biography
• story
• bio
• psychobiography
• pathography
• autobiography
• hagiography
• tell-all
• memoir
• life

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

• outline
• picture
• draw
• cartoon
• caricature
• ink
• pencil
• sketch
• crayon
• scribble
• scrawl

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

Recent Examples of profile

Noun

This liquid state alters the safety profile of the system. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026

After a star-studded, high profile opening ceremony, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is now open to the public Friday. —Jackie Kostek, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Verb

Imagine that an esteemed journalist published a book profiling a real-life vampire, and then that vampire’s twisted soulmate—also a vampire—started a rock band. —Judy Berman, Time, 2 June 2026

In 2009, she was shocked to see other homeless women veterans profiled on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show. —Hope Hodge Seck, USA Today, 2 June 2026