silhouette 1 of 2

as in outline
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface cartoonists often try to give their characters recognizable silhouettes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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silhouette

2 of 2

verb

as in to trace
to draw or make apparent the outline of in the photograph the majestic mountain is strikingly silhouetted against the setting sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun silhouette differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of silhouette are contour, outline, and profile. While all these words mean "the line that bounds and gives form to something," 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

Where would contour be a reasonable alternative to silhouette?

While in some cases nearly identical to silhouette, 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 could outline be used to replace silhouette?

In some situations, the words outline and silhouette are roughly equivalent. However, outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.

traced the outline of his hand

When is it sensible to use profile instead of silhouette?

The meanings of profile and silhouette largely overlap; however, profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.

a portrait of her face in profile

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 silhouette
Noun
The shoes also showcased a d’Orsay silhouette, thereby revealing more of the side of the foot than a typical pump. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 July 2025 Packed with style, each silhouette is sure to add a special hit of energy to your vacations and perhaps even a walk to the bodega. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 July 2025
Verb
The sight of thousands of cranes silhouetted against a sunrise (or sunset) and filling the air with their distinctive, rolling calls is truly unique. Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 In a stormy shot with trees silhouetted against a cloudy sky, the trees appear almost black but still retain enough texture in the shadows, and even the green of the leaves. PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silhouette
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silhouette
Noun
  • Items from China face a minimum tariff of thirty per cent, and that rate will surely go higher if the two sides can’t finalize a trade deal, the outlines of which were seemingly agreed upon in May.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Last night provided at least a skeleton of an outline of what that looks like.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Astronomers then traced the origin using a ground telescope in Chile known as ALMA.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 18 July 2025
  • Edge systems verify their authenticity, expiry and batch while tracing their movements for regulatory compliance.
    Amy Gu, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • By reimagining the boundaries of where its sport can potentially thrive, the AVP might have sketched out a novel blueprint for other sports.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • Through some 90 pieces, drawn from the brand’s patrimonial collections but also on loan from private collectors, the display is about the rich history left behind by founder Jean Dinh Van, a singular jeweler who sculpted rather than sketched his designs.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Betts spent the All-Star break — his first healthy break when he wasn’t named an All-Star since 2015 — back in the Nashville, Tenn., area, working out at a facility and continuing his deluge of swings that have defined his season.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • Whether the pending head of editorial content reports to Anna Wintour, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, or some yet-unknown successor, Vogue’s uphill battle requires earning influence with audiences no longer trusting it to define trends.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Silhouette.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silhouette. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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