PROFILER 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

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Dissimilar Words

as in character sketch

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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

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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

Shortly afterward, somebody attempts to out him by hacking his Instagram profile and posting pictures of his real face in place of his cryptic avatar. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026 The new port boosts the profile of Pennsylvania as a stop on North American sailing itineraries. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Verb

Just three weeks ago, Davis profiled the challenges San Diego city and police officials have confronted trying to implement the Commission on Police Practices approved by voters six years ago. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026 Shortly before settling the case, Paltrow was not-so-positively profiled in the New York Times Magazine, with one famous anecdote describing the way the actor appeared to revel in any controversy. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for profile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile

Noun

The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!

— Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Layering SoftSculpt around the perimeter of the face creates the illusion of genuine sun exposure rather than heavy contour.

— Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of contour

Verb

In the Tahoe Basin, the Caldor fire restoration plan outlines roughly 3,600 acres where the Forest Service could use ground crews to apply herbicide directly to shrubs — no aerial spraying.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The board unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Hilda Solis, directing county attorneys to send a letter to Lineage Logistics outlining a list of demands and requirements, and asking that the company respond within 48 hours.

— City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026

Definition of outline

Noun

Additionally, the 100-percent cotton fabric is soft, comfortable, and durable, which means the pants won’t stretch out or lose their shape.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 8 July 2026
The slim shape gives off cool-girl energy, while the tortoiseshell finish keeps them feeling classic.

— Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Definition of shape

Verb

The two were pictured doing a grocery haul with a bodyguard-type gentleman outside a Whole Foods, reportedly headed to her family compound nearby.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Celebrities pictured in formal attire walking to the wedding included Ed Sheeran, Bradley Cooper, Zoë Kravitz, Jack Antonoff, Gigi Hadid, Dakota Johnson, Ethan Hawke, MGK, Jason Sudeikis, Hugh Grant and Camila Cabello.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 6 July 2026

Definition of picture

Noun

The pages contained everything to know, all the history of the island and the church.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Anticipation for the milestone holiday has been building for much of the year, serving as an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their complicated history as onetime colonists of an empire who became a superpower of their own.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of history

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“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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