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
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025 This flavor profile, along with sleek packaging, suggests it will be aimed at nightlife crowds that might otherwise be looking for vodka or tequila while ordering bottle service. Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
That tax officer is not supposed to profile me or match my donations with other sources to infer my politics, my religion or health issues. Hessie Jones, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Throughout this time, Todd set more than 60 national and world records and was profiled by Sports Illustrated in 1977. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for profile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profile
Verb
  • The complete national security agreement hasn’t been published publicly, although aspects of it have been outlined in statements and securities filings made by the companies, U.S. Steel said Wednesday.
    Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • When advocating for moral decisions—such as cutting ties with a supplier accused of labor violations—leaders should clearly outline the associated financial and operational consequences.
    HEC Paris Insights, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • No matter the cut and contour of the songs, the answer is always fascinating.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
  • Following more than 20 years of innovation in brows, eyeshadow, blush, contour and recently minimalist foundation sticks and a blurring matte foundation, Anastasia Beverly Hills is dipping its toes into skincare.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Khloé Kardashian and Kim Kardashian pose as Kris Jenner (not pictured) snaps a photo of them on a taxi boat in Venice on June 26.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • This is more than a grower’s guide, however, as each of the 50 floriferous species included is brilliantly pictured on the front of its card in the deck.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • When selecting a sprinkler, look for one with a coverage pattern that most closely matches the area to be irrigated (the shape and size of the space the sprinkler covers should be listed on the package).
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • Wreath in shape of football jerseys are displayed at the entrance of the cemetery after the funeral ceremony of Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Josh Murray was a father to his son, Braden, and worked as a supervisor for Perini Construction, according to his obituary.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
  • According to the obituary, the teen leaves behind her parents, two brothers, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as her best friends and her boyfriend.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • That's a pretty large power and torque bump compared to the outgoing A5 Sportback, in part thanks to a new variable geometry turbocharger that replaces the old twin-scroll blower.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
  • Showing at London Fashion Week earlier this year, there was a geometry to that too.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • That late start didn’t stop him from becoming the most accomplished and influential trainer in the history of North American horse racing.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • The challenges: Tight spaces and dense history Moving a building of this size is tough enough, but the challenge is multiplied by Zhangyuan's dense web of narrow alleys and closely packed historic buildings.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Much of his focus has been on the potential configuration between the men’s and women’s teams and the academy, and whether they can be housed within the same or separate venues.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • The 2025 Toyota Camry comes in four different trims: the LE, SE, XLE, and XSE final configuration.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profile. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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