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
Enhance your profile tactically. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 An abstract profile of her decorates the annual tournament poster. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
The 2025 winners, Pinhook Vertical Series 9-Year Rye and Frank August Small Batch Bourbon, are profiled below, offering a deeper look at their production, including my personal tasting notes, the IWSC’s commentary, and what sets them apart in a crowded field of contenders. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 In fact, the urban dwellers profiled in this issue, who live in Toronto, Paris, London, Brooklyn, and, yes, Manhattan—all obsess over historical character and original detail, with nary a high-rise in sight. Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile
Verb
  • As a result of the one-off costs, the company said its now expect full-year operating profit growth of 4% to 10% at constant exchange rates, down from the 10% to 16% outlined in its second-quarter results in August.
    Karen Gilchrist,Katrina Bishop, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is because the cream is enriched with two types of hyaluronic acid all while brightening, smoothing, and firming your delicate eye contour.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The palette includes five buildable creams; one color corrector as well as two contour and two highlight shades to create dimension.
    Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maple pictured alongside her litter of nine healthy puppies.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris and Carrie Preston who star in are pictured on set while filming an episode of CBS' Elsbeth.
    Brendan Le, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The set comes with seven pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes to line up across the mantel, and can easily stand alone or be added to a full display with garlands and candles.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The phone box has an important connection to its location, as the man who designed the K2 model of classic British phone boxes, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, drew inspiration from the Dulwich Picture Gallery's mausoleum when creating its unique shape.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are a lot of fans who have written the Chiefs’ dynasty’s obituary.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • As a youth, Patterson, a Shawnee Mission West High School graduate, ran hurdles and enjoyed the new musical sounds of the British invasion, her obituary said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The pilots demonstrate CyRo’s capability in scenarios, highlighting its advantages, such as assembly on moving platforms where parts arrive unpredictably, handling transparent and reflective components, and adapting to new geometries without reprogramming.
    Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Steel Nomad's regular and Light subtests focus on APIs more commonly used for game development, like Metal and DirectX 12, to assess gaming geometry and particle effects.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This history lesson was not, however, the focus of the year two students, who clamored towards the phone box with Camilla in tow to try out a British tradition.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Only seven primary catchers have eclipsed 300 or more homers in MLB history.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is accompanied by the dual-lens configuration, which enables real-time depth perception without requiring structured light or time-of-flight sensors.
    Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Made of stone, the interior walls form boxy configurations that are difficult to adapt to the lives of people who want ease of movement.
    Joseph Giovannini, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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